What Seventh-day Adventists Believe

You need to have

something in

order to share it,

whether it be our daily bread or the bread of life.

In order to give the "Living Bread" we need to have

a constant association with its author.

The more we have, the more we can share.

Our daily lesson study will keep our supply fresh and

ready for use.

Contents

God Tells Us About Baptism

God Tells Us About the Lord's Supper

God Tells Us About Spiritual Gifts

God Tells Us About

the Gift of Prophecy

What God's Law Tells Us About God

God Tells Us About the Sabbath

God Tells Us About Stewardship

God Tells Us About Christian Behavior

Church

Ministries



God Tells Us About Happy Homes

10.

God Tells Us About Christ's

Heavenly Ministry

11.

God Tells Us About

the Second Coming

12.

God Tells Us About

Death and Resurrection

13.

God Tells Us About the Millennium

14.

God Tells Us About the New Earth

The Adult Sabbath School Lessons are prepared by the Department of Church Ministries

- of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The preparation of the lessons is

under the general direction of a worldwide Sabbath School Lesson Committee, the mem-

bers of which serve as consulting editors. The published lesson quarterly reflects the input

of the committee and thus does not solely or necessarily represent the intent of the authors.

Editorial Offices: 6840 Eastern Avenue, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20012

Lesson Authors: Erwin R. Gane

J. Robert Spangler

Leo R. Van Dolson

Editors: Erwin R. Gane

Leo R. Van Dolson

Assistant Editor: Charlotte Ishkanian

Pacific Press Editor: Lincoln E. Steed

Marketing: Bob Gorton

Sales Office: Shirley Sayers

Design: Paul B. Ricchiuti; Cover photo: Duane Tank

Scripture references other than from the.King James Version quoted by permission in this quarterly are as follows:

NASB. From

The New American Standard Bible,

permission.

NEB.

From

The New English Bible,

the Cambridge University Press, 1961, 1970. Used by permission.

NIV.

From

The New International Version,

permission.

Phillips.

From

The New Testament in Modern English,

Revised Edition, copyright CI 1958, 1960, 1972 by J. B.

Phillips. Used by permission of Macmillan Publishing Co., Inc., New York.

RSV.

From the

Revised Standard Version,

the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, and used by permission.

Adult Sabbath School Lessons (standard edition). (USPS 702-480). Published quarterly by

Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1350 North Kings Road, Nampa, ID 83687, U.S.A.

One year subscription in U.S.A., $4.25; single copy, $1.50. One year subscription to

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Editions in Braille available. See p. 109. Easy English Edition Available.

Adult Sabbath School Lessons (USPS 702-480)/No. 374 / October-December 1988

Meet the Writers

This Quarter's

Lessons

Dr. Erwin R. Gane is the new editor of the Adult

Sabbath School Lessons. While he has pastored

several churches on two continents, most of his ser-

vice has been in the field of education. He taught at

Avondale College in his native Australia, and at

Union and Pacific Union Colleges in the United

States. He received his M.A., M.Div., and M.Th. de-

grees from Andrews University, and a Ph.D degree

from the University of Nebraska. Dr. Gane and his

wife, Winsome, have two grown sons.

Elder J. Robert Spangler is associate secretary of

the Ministerial Department at the General Confer-

ence and is editor of

Ministry

Magazine. He received

his B.A. from Columbia Union College and his M.A.

from Andrews University. He served as pastor and

conference evangelist for eleven years before mov-

ing to the Far East Division, where he worked as

ministerial secretary for eight years. Elder Spangler

has written three books,

First Things First, Marked!

and

Healthy, Happy, Holy,

which he co-authored

with Leo R. Van Dolson. The Spanglers have two

grown daughters.

Leo R. Van Dotson has recently retired as editor

of the Adult Sabbath School Lessons. His career

has included pastoral work in the U.S. and Japan,

teaching at Pacific Union College and the Loma

Linda University School of Health. He holds a Ph.D.

in educational administration from Claremont Col-

lege. Dr. Van Dolson has served as an editor on

Ministry, Life and Health,

and the

Adventist Review

magazines. He has authored or co-authored 18

books and has written several adult teachers' aids.

He and his wife, Bobbie Jane, have two grown sons.

Acknowledgment: Others

whose contributions have been used in prepar-

ing these lessons are Dr. Norman Gulley, Kenneth McFarland, and the

writers of the articles that appeared in the special doctrinal issue of the

Adventist Review

published in 1981.

Christ the Center of Truth

These lessons conclude two quarters of study dealing with the twenty-

seven fundamental beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist church.

It is important to understand that every teaching of the church centers

in Jesus Christ. "Christ, His character and work, is the center and cir-

cumference of all truth, He is the chain upon which the jewels of doc-

trine are linked. In Him is found the complete system of truth."—Ellen

G. White,

Review and Herald,

August 15, 1893.

As each doctrine is studied we need to ask ourselves how this doctrine

centers in Christ. Another question that should be addressed is, "How

does belief in this doctrine affect me today?" These two questions will

require meditation, prayer, and discussion if we are to receive a rich

reward from our study. Watch for the supplementary book at your local

Adventist Book Center.

How To Study These Sabbath School Lessons

Pray for the Holy Spirit's enlightenment.

Jesus has not left us to

seek alone for an understanding of His Word by ourselves. He stated,

"When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth"

(John 16:13). Time and mental effort are essential to understand the mean-

ing of the Bible. But only the Author Himself can impart to us the message

that He intends us to receive.

Read through the entire lesson.

At the beginning of the week read

through the lesson. Doing so provides an overview of the subject presented.

It is easier to grasp and remember part of any topic when you see it in rela-

tion to the whole. In this first rapid reading of the lesson, do not stop to

master every point. Look for the main thrust and the key points.

Study one section of the lesson each day.

Look up the Bible

verses, studying their wording in context until you are clear what they are

teaching. If you encounter problem words, phrases, or concepts, go to a

good Bible commentary or Bible dictionary for clarification. Remember that

factual information is interesting and important, but spiritual light and truth

are vital. Your study should not just inform; it should draw you closer to

Jesus.

Compare your conclusions with Ellen White's explana-

tions.

Her writings contain a wealth of interpretation designed to throw

light on the Biblical message. Because the Lord gave these messages, it is

exciting to discover the meanings that He attaches to His own Word. In

North America, a Spirit of Prophecy supplement entitled

Sabbath School

Lesson Comments By Ellen G. White

(Hartland Institute Publications) is

available from the Adventist Book Center. Check the

Index to the Writings

of Ellen G. White

for additional Spirit of Prophecy comments.

Apply the message to your own life.

Ask yourself, What is the

relevance of this Bible truth to my experience? Every Bible doctrine is in-

tended to be a Christ-centered means of uplift to the struggling believer.

Seek to understand how each doctrine relates to the affairs of your daily

life—your home life, your marriage or marital plans, your fellowship with

the church, your associations with people of the world, your work situation,

your goals in life, and your plans for eternity. Ask yourself what the particu-

lar subject has to do with your eternal salvation. Finally, talk to the Lord

about each subject as you are studying it. Ask Him to use your Bible study to

bring conviction, forgiveness, comfort, and spiritual power to your heart.

Ask Him to draw you into the closest possible union with Himself as you

allow Him to speak through His Word.

Erwin R. Gane, Ph.D., Editor.

Daily Lesson Study Pledge

❑

As one who greatly desires to improve my knowledge of the Scriptures

and of the Lord to whom they point, I pledge to carefully and prayerfully

study some portion of the Sabbath School lesson each day of the week.

God Tells Us About

Baptism

kl 3

MEMORY TEXT: "Know ye not, that so many of us as were

baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? There-

fore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as

Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father,

even so we also should walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:3, 4).

CENTRAL TEACHING: "Baptism.

By baptism we confess our faith in

the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and testify of our death to sin and

of our purpose to walk in newness of life. Thus we acknowledge Christ as

Lord and Saviour, become His people, and are received as members by His

church. Baptism is a symbol of our union with Christ, the forgiveness of our

sins, and our reception of the Holy Spirit. It is by immersion in water and is

contingent on an affirmation of faith in Jesus and evidence of repentance of

sin. It follows instruction in the Holy Scriptures and acceptance of their

teachings. "—Fundamental Belief No. 14.

OUTLINE:

I. What Baptism Is:

A Confession of faith.

A testimony of death to sin and newness of life in Christ.

A prerequisite for joining the church.

II. What Baptism Does:

It acknowledges Christ as Lord of our lives.

It acknowledges that we belong to the body of Christ.

III. What Baptism Symbolizes:

Forgiveness of and death to sin.

Newness of life in Christ.

Reception of the Holy Spirit.

IV. What Baptism Involves:

Immersion in water.

Essentials to baptism.

The question of rebaptism.

V. How We Prepare for Baptism:

Instruction in the Scriptures.

Acceptance of Bible teaching.

INTRODUCTION:

One well-known preacher used to say, "Sitting in a

church house no more makes you a Christian than sitting in a hen house

makes you a chicken." Neither does baptism make us Christians. Baptism

testifies that the Holy Spirit has taken up His abode with us. Through His

SUN

guidance and work we have acknowledged and repented of our sins and

desire to live a new life in Jesus. Baptism has no meaning unless it is the

public testimony of what the Holy Spirit already has done in us to enable us

to become members of the family of God. But neither should we seek to

become members of the church without baptism. Baptism attests to our

union with Christ in the same way that the wedding service acknowledges

publicly that a couple has decided to devote their lives to each other.

Where did baptism originate? As a religious rite it "originated in pre-

Christian times. It was practiced by the Jews as a means of receiving pros-

elytes to Judaism. . . . The legal status of such a proselyte was that of a

newborn child. . . .

"It is significant that the Jewish leaders did not question John concerning

the validity of the rite of baptism, but only his authority to administer it (see

John 1:19-28). Baptism was also practiced by the Essenes in connection

with their religious rites. In

Khirbet Qumran,

which was probably the center

of the Essenes, several tanks with steps leading into them have been discov-

ered. . . . These may have been used for baptismal rites, which apparently

involved immersion, as did Jewish proselyte baptism."—SDA

Bible Dic-

tionary,

pp. 118, 119.

L WHAT BAPTISM IS.

What adaptation of the rite of baptism did John the Baptist make in

order to help the people of his day identify with the work of cleansing

necessary to prepare for the coming of Christ? Mark 1:4, 5.

Although there were Old Testament antecedents that John the Baptist

would have known about—ritual washings and cleansings, and the story of

Naaman—he taught that the rite would involve spiritual cleansing. Thus it

was to be more than a mere ritual or physical cleansing. He asked the people

to demonstrate by their baptism that they recognized their sinfulness and

were repentant. The step he asked them to take was a dramatic one. Those

whom he baptized undoubtedly did not take the step lightly. John's call to

baptism indicated that a drastic change was necessary to prepare people for

Jesus' coming.

1. A Confession of Faith.

Why was Jesus baptized? Matt. 3:15.

Acts 2:38 contains Peter's admonition to new converts to the Christian

faith to be baptized as a symbol of the remission of sins. Having never

sinned, Jesus did not need to be baptized as a symbol of confession for sins

He had committed. By being baptized He identified Himself with the sinner

who needs God's righteousness. He set an example for those who desire to

be united with Him.

What do we learn about the Christian practice of baptism from the

instruction that Jesus gave in Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 16:15, 16.

What evidence do we have that the early church understood and fol-

lowed this instruction? Acts 10:47, 48; 22:12-16.

A Testimony of Death to Sin and Newness of Life in Christ.

Baptism attests not only to our death to sin but to our resurrection to a new

life in Christ. (See Rom. 6:4, 5.)

What relationship to sin characterizes the new life in Christ? Col.

2:12; 3:1.

A Prerequisite for Joining the Church.

How did Jesus indicate that baptism is the sign of entrance to His

spiritual kingdom? John 3:5.

THINK IT THROUGH: Jesus indicated that we are to be baptized not

only by water but also by the Spirit. What does this experience have to

do with my becoming a member of the body of Christ? (See Acts 10:47,

48; 1 Cor. 12:12-14.)

ILLUMINATION:

"Baptism is a most solemn renunciation of the world.

Those who are baptized in the threefold name of the Father, the Son, and the

Holy Spirit, at the very entrance of their Christian life declare publicly that

they have forsaken the service of Satan and have become members of the

royal family, children of the heavenly

King."—Testimonies,

vol. 6, p. 91.

II. WHAT BAPTISM DOES.

Ancient baptistries attest to the vital importance of baptism to the early

church. The significance is not in the rite itself, but in what it acknowledges

to both the church and the world regarding our death to sin and new life in

Christ.

1. It Acknowledges Christ As Lord of Our Lives.

Paul writes: "For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed

yourselves with Christ" (Gal. 3:27, NASB).

How is confession of faith in God and acceptance of Jesus as Lord of

our lives tied into the rite of baptism? Rom. 10:9; Acts 16:30-34.

® II..

WHAT BAPTISM SYMBOLIZES.

The New Testament presents baptism within the context of Calvary, thus

giving much more meaning and significance to this rite.

1. Forgiveness of and Death to Sin.

Complete the following analysis chart of Romans 6:3-10 in order to

recognize the fullness of the symbolic aspect of baptism:

Baptism by

immersion beautifully symbolizes a person's conversion ex-

perience. Involved in that experience are sorrow for sin and turning away

from it. The confessing sinner is forgiven and given new life in Christ. All

these steps should precede baptism.

In addition to bringing the Christian into a richer and closer relationship

with God, baptism brings him into a new relationship with Christ's church

on earth, a group of believers known for their love of God and one another.

It is the door to church fellowship, as well as the door to discipleship.

2. It Acknowledges That We Belong to the Body of Christ.

Baptism publicly identifies us as Christians—members of the body of

Christ. (See Acts 2:41, 47; Gal. 3:27-29.)

Symbol of

Jesus

Crucifixion

Crucified for our

sins

Old man (body of

) crucified

Death

Died for us

Buried with Him •by

Resurrection

Raised from the

dead

Raised in the

of His resurrection

New Life

Lives unto God

from sin;

with Him

Repentant sinners identify themselves with Jesus through the rite of bap-

tism. By the sinless life He lived, and by His death on behalf of sinners,

Jesus made His righteousness available to all. By taking part in this cere-

mony that symbolizes death to sin, burial of the old life of sin, and resurrec-

tion to new life in Jesus, believers demonstrate their acceptance of that right-

eousness.

2. Newness of Life in Christ.

What kind of relationship with Jesus is implied in such expressions in

Romans 6:3, 4 as "baptized into Jesus Christ" and "buried with him

by baptism"?

"The postbaptismal life is to be a new-life, a different life, a life dead to..

sin and alive to God ([Romans 6:] verse 11, RSV). It is the life of one who

has entered into a covenant relationship with,God, who shares covenant

fellowship with like believers and, has pledged to adhere to the covenant

stipulations. 'I will be their God, and they shall be my people' (Jer. 31:33,

RSV). "—George Rice,

Adventist Review,

Dec. 11, 1986, p. 15.

3. Reception of the Holy Spirit.

What phenomena accompanied Jesus' baptism? How do these events

relate to what happens when we are baptized! Matt.. 3:16, 17.

We may not see the dove descending or hear the voice of God proclaiming

"This is my beloved son [or daughter] in whom lam well pleased" when

we are baptized, but in faith we know that God does for us what He did for

Christ at the time He.was baptized.

What do we learn from Titus 3:5-7 about the cleansing work of the

Holy Spirit as it relates to baptism?

IV. WHAT BAPTISM INVOLVES.

1. Immersion in Water.

The Bible teaches baptism by immersion. In Romans and Colossians Paul

compares the rite to Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. (See Rom. 6:1-

6; Col. 2:12, 13.) This symbolism would have had no such significance if

the apostolic church. had practiced a mode of baptism other than immersion.

SEARCH AND LEARN: Study the passages that follow, indicating how

the incidents described support baptism by immersion..

•

Matt. 3:16



•

John 3:23



•

Acts 8:38, 39



ILLUMINATION:

"That immersion was the mode employed in NT times

is clear from the meaning of the Greek term, from Bible descriptions of the

performance of the ceremony, and from the spiritual applications made in

the Bible respecting the rite. The term

baptizo

was used anciently to de-

scribe the immersing of cloth in dye, and of the submerging of a vessel in

order to fill it with water. Its most obvious meaning when applied to Chris-

tian baptism is "to immerse."—FDA

Bibk Dictionary,

p. 119.

2. Essentials to Baptism.

What is the spiritual significance of being baptized in the names of

the members of the Trinity? Matt. 28:19, 20.

What experience must precede baptism? Acts 2:37, 38. How does this

exclude infant baptism?

Infants are incapable of repentance, of being disciples, receiving the gift

of the Holy Spirit, or obeying God's will. Only baptism of adults is men-

tioned in the New Testament. There is not one mention of infant baptism.

(See Acts 8:12, "both men and women"; Acts 8:13, Simon; Acts 8:29-

39, the Ethiopian eunuch; Acts 9:17, 18, Saul; 1 Cor. 1:14, Crispus and

Gaius.)

3. The Question of Rebaptism.

What one Bible precedent do we have for rebaptism? Acts 19:1-5.

ILLUMINATION:

"Those who have conscientiously taken their position

upon the commandments of God, will, if rightly dealt with, accept all essential

truth. But it needs wisdom to deal with human minds. Some will be longer in

seeing and understanding some kindred truths than others, especially will this

be the case in regard to the subject of rebaptisms, but there is a divine hand that

is leading them—a divine spirit impressing their hearts, and they will know

what they ought to do and do

it."—Evangelism,

pp. 373, 374.

V. HOW WE PREPARE FOR BAPTISM.

"When a person acknowledges his lost state as a sinner, sincerely repents

of his sins, and experiences conversion, he may, when properly instructed,

be accepted as a proper candidate for baptism and church membership."—

SDA

Church Manual

(1986), p. 42.

Instruction in the Scriptures.

What are we to teach people in connection with Christ's commission

to baptize them? Matt. 28:20.

Every teaching that is based on the authority of Christ is to be taught. (See

SDA Bible Commentary, vol.

5, p. 557.)

Acceptance of Bible Teaching.

SEARCH AND LEARN: What reactions to Bible teaching must pre-

cede baptism?

TAU

•

Acts 8:12



•

Acts 8:35-38



•

Acts 18



3. Relationship to Christ.

Jesus made it clear that baptism is not an option nor is it to be taken

lightly. Baptism indicates a dramatic change in the direction of a person's

life. (See Acts 8:36-38.)

Just as baptism by water in the days of John the Baptist prepared people

for Jesus' coming, baptism by water and the Spirit helps prepare Jesus'

loved ones for His second coming.

When the armies of the Roman Empire invaded Britain they were com-

manded to burn their ships behind them. A soldier asked the commander,

"Sir, how will we retreat if we burn the ships?" The commander's reply

was, "That's the whole point; there will be no retreat!"

As we enter into water baptism we commit ourselves never to turn back to

our old way of life. Now Jesus is supreme in our hearts. There will be no

retreat. Joyfully and courageously we will advance to the gates of the eternal

city of God.

i FURTHER STUDY AND MEDITATION:

Read

The Desire of Ages,



chapter 11, "The Baptism," pages 109-113.

WHAT OTHERS TEACH:

Arguments over the meaning of baptism and

the age of the candidate go back to the early Christian church. Through the

centuries many Christians have taught that infants must be baptized in order

to be relieved of original guilt inherited from Adam. It is believed that if the

unbaptized infant dies he is confined to "limbo," a halfway place in which

he experiences neither the full joys of heaven nor the full terrors of hell.

Others believe that by baptism the infant is incorporated into one "body" (1

Cor. 12:13) and clothed with Christ (Gal. 3:27). Seventh-day Adventists

reject the concept of original guilt and practice believer's baptism rather

than infant baptism. We find ourselves in agreement with those churches

that teach and practice immersion of believers.

HOW TO SHARE THIS TRUTH WITH OTHERS:

A basic principle in

teaching any truth is to avoid criticism or ridicule of the beliefs and practices

of others. This is especially true of the doctrine of baptism. Your approach

to this subject will depend upon the experience of the one with whom you

are sharing your faith. If the person has never been baptized, as an infant or

otherwise, your primary task is to lead him or her to Christ preparatory to

introducing the subject of baptism by immersion. If the person has been

baptized, but not by immersion, your task is to show the beauty and meaning

of Bible baptism. The supreme proof of both the necessity and method of

baptism is the example of Jesus, who in love was baptized to fulfill all right-

eousness and who endured an unparalleled baptism of suffering.

SUMMARY: When by faith a person experiences the new birth he or she

is clothed with Christ's righteousness. The new believer then accepts bap-

tism by immersion as a demonstration of the union with Christ that has been

entered into. He or she becomes part of His body, the church. Understand-

ing that baptism focuses on the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, by

the power of the Holy Spirit the believer dies to self and the world. He or she

makes a full surrender to Christ and His will.

—APPLICATION

Do I realize that my sinless Lord, who did not need baptism, was

baptized as an example for me to follow?

Have I followed in Christ's footsteps by being baptized by immer-

sion?

Am I daily experiencing the burial of sinful living and a resurrection

walk with Christ?

his Christm

Give a ospital

When you give money to

the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering,

December 19, you're giving

medicine, beds and Christian care

to people living along Brazil's

Amazon river.

Help Build a Hospital

at Manaus, North

Brazil.

THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING

God Tel% Us About

the Lord's Supper

SAB

MEMORY

MEMORY TEXT: "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not

the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we

break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we

being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers

of that one bread" (1 Cor. 10:16, 17).

CENTRAL TEACHING: "The Lord's Supper.

The Lord's Supper is a

participation in the emblems of the body and blood of Jesus as an expression

of faith in Him, our Lord and Saviour. In this experience of communion

Christ is present to meet and strengthen His people. As we partake, we

joyfully proclaim the Lord's death until He comes again. Preparation for the

Supper includes self-examination, repentance, and confession. The Master

ordained the service of foot washing to signify renewed cleansing, to ex-

press a willingness to serve one another in Christlike humility, and to unite

our hearts in love. The communion service is open to all believing

Christians."—Fundamental Belief No. 15.

OUTLINE:

The Importance of Humble Service.

II.

The Ordinance of Humility.

III.

The Institution of the Lord's Supper.

IV.

The Spiritual Meaning of the Lord's Supper.

The Lord's Supper in the Heavenly Kingdom.

INTRODUCTION:

How do Christian believers, separated from the time of

Christ by almost two thousand years, keep constantly in mind the signifi-

cance of Christ's death, resurrection, and ascension to heaven? How do we

enter into the spiritual experience enjoyed by Jesus' first disciples?

The celebration of the Lord's Supper was designed by Christ as one

means by which those who believe might receive regular spiritual renewal.

In everyday life, one very effective way to get to know people is to eat with

them. In the Lord's Supper not only do Christians eat together but also we

commune with the Lord Jesus Christ. As we partake of the symbols of His

sacrifice, we receive by faith the spiritual nourishment that only Jesus can

supply.

Our concern in this lesson is to discover from the Bible what Jesus intends

that the Lord's Supper should mean to every Christian believer. We also

need to know how He would have us prepare our hearts to take part in this

important service.

I. THE IMPORTANCE OF HUMBLE SERVICE.

What problem kept recurring among Jesus' disciples? Mark 9:33,

34; Matt. 20:20-24; Luke 22:24-27.

There were only a few hours left before Jesus would be cruelly crucified.

Yet pride ruled in the upper room. The disciples were vying with one an-

other for the highest place in the kingdom. They had not learned the lesson

of unselfish service. When group photographs are taken some stand to one

side while wishing for a center position in the front row. So with the twelve;

questions of status and personal importance were supreme. They wanted to

be served instead of being servants. Try to imagine the feelings of Jesus in

this situation.

How did Jesus emphasize the importance of humility? Matt. 18:1-4;

20:25-28; 23:8-12.

Before honor is humility. Love for reward, position, or distinction has no

place in Christ's kingdom. Rank, wealth, beauty, or intellectual greatness

can never substitute for union with the humble Christ. There are no "Miss

Universe" contests in heaven. Only those with changed hearts can under-

stand these principles—"Except ye be converted" (Matt. 18:3). In God's

sight, the greatest person in the church is the one who renders the most

humble service.

ILLUMINATION:

"Had Christ come in the majesty of a king, with the

pomp which attends the great men of earth, many would have accepted

Him. But Jesus of Nazareth did not dazzle the senses with a display of out-

ward glory and make this the foundation of their reverence. He came as a

humble man to be the Teacher and Exemplar as well as the Redeemer of the

race. Had He encouraged pomp, had He come followed by a retinue of great

men of earth, how could He have taught

humility?"—Testimonies, vol.

p. 253.

II. THE ORDINANCE OF HUMILITY.

The night before Jesus' death the disciples were arguing about who was

the greatest. Jesus could not lead them into a deeply spiritual service while

sin was in their hearts. He did something very special to teach them humil-

ity, and He urged them to copy Him in the future.

What demonstration of love and humility did Jesus give His disciples

at the last supper? John 13:4, 5.

While contention for the highest place Waged in the upper room, Jesus

knelt down and washed twenty-four dirty feet. He stooped to serve. What an

insight into His journey from His Father's throne, "not to be served but to

serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matt. 20:28, RSV). The

great descent of Christ from God to man is given in Philippians 2:5-8. The

ultimate humility is revealed in the words "He humbled himself by living a

life of utter obedience, to the point of death, and the death He died was the

death of a common criminal" (verse 8, Phillips).

Think of the emotions that must have surged through Judas' mind as Jesus

washed his feet. For thirty pieces of silver Judas was about to hand Jesus

over to the Jewish authorities. Nevertheless, the Messiah, who knew what

Judas had done, instead of exposing him, stooped to wash his feet. The

power of Christ's love brought powerful conviction for Judas to confess his

sin. Tragically he rejected it. In his estimation, no one who would adopt the

position of an unimportant servant was worthy of his adoration. He deter-

mined to go through with his plan to betray Jesus and thereby lost eternal

life.

Peter's reaction was different. He was overwhelmed by His Lord's bend-

ing so low as to wash his feet. He was ashamed that he was not doing what

Jesus was doing. He sensed that his personal pride had kept him from being

a servant. (See

The Desire of Ages,

pp. 645, 646.)

Of what is the washing of feet a symbol? John 13:8-10; 15:3; Titus

3:5-7.

"Christ is . . . speaking of the higher cleansing as illustrated by the lower.

He who came from the bath was clean, but the sandaled feet soon became

dusty, and again needed to be washed. So Peter and his brethren had been

washed in the great fountain opened for sin and uncleanness. Christ ac-

knowledged them as His. But temptation had led them into evil, and they

still needed His cleansing grace. When Jesus girded Himself with a towel to

wash the dust from their feet, he desired by that very act to wash the alien-

ation, jealousy, and pride from their hearts. This was of far more conse-

quence than the washing of their dusty feet. With the spirit they then had,

not one of them was prepared for communion with Christ. Until brought into

a state of humility and love, they were not prepared to partake of the paschal

supper, or to share in the memorial service which Christ was about to insti-

tute. Their hearts must be cleansed.

"—The Desire of Ages,

p. 646.

What did Jesus urge His followers to do for one another? John 13:

12-17.

Foot washing is a vital preparation for the communion service. Jesus said,

"You also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an exam-

ple, that you also should do as I have done to you" (John 13:14, 15, RSV).

ILLUMINATION:

"Like Peter and his brethren, we too have been washed

in the blood of Christ, yet often through contact with evil the heart's purity is

soiled. We must come to Christ for His cleansing grace. Peter shrank from

bringing his soiled feet in contact with the hands of his Lord and Master; but

how often we bring our sinful, polluted hearts in contact with the heart of

Christ! How grievous to Him is our evil temper, our vanity and pride! Yet all

our infirmity and defilement we must bring to Him. He alone can wash us

clean. We are mot prepared for communion with Him unless cleansed by His

efficacy. . . .

"Now, having washed the disciples' feet, He said, 'I have given you an

example, that ye should do as I have done to you.' In these words Christ was

not merely enjoining the practice of hospitality. More was meant than the

washing of the feet of guests to remove the dust of travel. Christ was here

instituting a religious service. By the act of our Lord this humiliating cere-

mony was made a consecrated ordinance. It was to be observed by the disci-

ples, that they might ever keep in mind His lessons of humility and

service.

"—The Desire of Ages,

pp. 646-650.

III. THE INSTITUTION OF THE LORD'S SUPPER.

After He had washed the disciples' feet, what service did Jesus insti-

tute? Matt. 26:26-28.

The last supper that Jesus ate with His• disciples on the final Thursday

evening of His life was the celebration of the Passover. (See John 13:1.) The

Last Supper was the last Passover. The Passover pointed forward to the

sacrifice of the Messiah for the sins of the world. (See 1 Cor. 5:7.) The day

after the Passover supper Jesus was crucified. Then the Old Testament sanc-

tuary services that pointed forward to His death lost their significance. Ani-

mal sacrifices were replaced by the true Sacrifice, and earthly ministry gave

place to the heavenly High Priestly ministry of Jesus. (See Heb. 10:11, 12;

7:25.) This is why at the Last Supper Jesus instituted another service, the

Lord's Supper, to take the place of the Passover. The communion service

spans the gulf between Calvary and the Second Advent. The Passover

pointed

forward

to Calvary, while the Lord's Supper points

back

to Calvary.

Thus the Lord's Supper commemorates three events: (1) The completed sac-

rifice on the cross; (2) the coming of Jesus the second time; (3) the final

triumph of.God's people in the heavenly kingdom.

How do we know that Jesus wants His followers to celebrate the

Lord's Supper until He comes the second time? 1 Cor. 11:23-26.

What danger is there in partaking of the Lord's Supper if your heart

is not right with God? 1 Cor. 11:27-30.

ILLUMINATION:

The following quotations reveal the Seventh-day Ad-

ventist attitude to and manner of celebrating the Lord's Supper:

1. The Lord's Supper is to be a joyous, blessed occasion (see 1 Cor.

10:16):

"But the Communion service was not to be a season of sorrowing. This

was not its purpose. As the Lord's disciples gather about His table, they are

not to remember and lament their shortcomings. They are not to dwell upon

their past religious experience, whether that experience has been elevating

or depressing. They are not to recall the differences between them and their

brethren. The preparatory service has embraced all this. . . . Now they come

to meet with Christ. They are not to stand in the shadow of the cross, but in

its saving light."—The

Desire of Ages,

p. 659.

Believers should be present and partake of the Supper as members

of the body of Christ (see 1 Cor. 10:17):

"All who come with their faith fixed upon Him will be greatly blessed.

All who neglect these seasons of divine privilege will suffer loss. Of them it

may appropriately be said, 'Ye are not all clean.'

"—The Desire of Ages,

656.

All who wish to take part should be invited to (see Matt. 26:27):

"Christ's example forbids exclusiveness at the Lord's Supper. It is true

that open sin excludes the guilty. This the Holy Spirit plainly teaches (1 Cor.

5:11). But beyond this none are to pass judgment. . . . There may come into

the company persons who are not in heart servants of truth and holiness, but

who may wish to take part in the service. They should not be forbidden. . . .

None should exclude themselves from the Communion because some who

are unworthy may be present."—The

Desite of Ages,

p. 656.

Only unfermented wine is to be used (Prov. 20:1):

"The unfermented wine that He provided for the wedding guests was a

wholesome and refreshing drink. This is the wine that was used by our

Saviour and His disciples in the first Communion. It is the wine that should

always be used on the Communion table as a symbol of the Saviour's blood.

The sacramental service is designed to be soul-refreshing and life-giving.

There is to be connected with it nothing that could minister to evil."—

Temperance,

p. 97.

Only unleavened bread should be used (1 Cor. 5:7, 8):

"Bread that is leavened must not come on the Communion table;

unleavened bread is the only correct representation of the Lord's

Supper."—Ellen G. White comments,

SDA Bible Commentary,

vol. 6, p.

1090. (See 1 Cor. 5:6-8.)

WED

IV. THE SPIRITUAL MEANING OF THE LORD'S SUPPER.

What does it mean to partake of the body and blood of Christ? John

6:51, 53-57, 63; 1 Cor. 10:16, 17.

In His great sermon on the Bread of Life (John 6), Jesus clarified beyond

doubt what it means to partake of His body and blood. The fact that He was

using a metaphor becomes abundantly clear when we read John 6:63 (RSV):

"It is the spirit that gives life, the flesh is of no avail; the words that I have

spoken to you are spirit and life." We partake of Christ's body and blood

when we receive His Word into our hearts. This we do by receiving the Holy

Spirit to live within us. (See Rom. 8:9, 10; Eph. 3:16-21.)

When we partake of the Lord's Supper we receive Jesus spiritually into

our hearts. The literal bread and grape juice symbolize our spiritual recep-

tion of the Lord, by the Holy Spirit. Christ is not literally present in the

bread and wine. (See "What Others Teach" at the end of the lesson to

capture the significance of this statement.) But Christ is present in the heart

of the true believer who partakes of the bread and wine.

How many times was Jesus sacrificed for our sins? Is the Lord's Sup-

per a repetition of the sacrifice of Calvary? Heb. 7:27; 9:28; 10:14.

Only once was it necessary for Jesus to be sacrificed for human guilt. The

suffering that atoned for sin was not primarily physical. It was the suffering

of the Deity caused by the separation of God the Father from God the Son.

This separation broke the heart of the Son of God. That one sacrifice was

sufficient to cover all sin for as long as this old world continues. The punish-

ment Christ bore is adequate for every sinner no matter how degraded — if

he will open his heart and accept Jesus as Saviour and Lord. (See Rom.

5:17.)

V. THE LORD'S SUPPER IN THE HEAVENLY KINGDOM.

When did Jesus say the next occasion would be on which He would

celebrate the Lord's Supper with His followers? Matt. 26:29

What are the qualifications necessary for those who will feast with

Jesus in the heavenly Kingdom? Rev. 19:7-9.

Jesus looked forward to the day when He would celebrate the Lord's Sup-

per with His redeemed people. It could well be that Jesus is waiting to drink

of the fruit of the vine at the "marriage supper of the Lamb" (Rev. 19:9),

when the triumph of His plan of salvation will be celebrated. He wants us to

plan expectantly for that wonderful heavenly feast. Every time we celebrate

the Lord's Supper, Christ is with us by the Holy Spirit. But our sights are to

be set on the future when God's people will be free from sin and all its

results. Then we will give eternal praise to our Lord for His infinite love.

Those who by faith receive the free gift of Christ's righteousness will be

taken to the kingdom to enjoy the heavenly Lcird's Supper. Christ's righ-

teousness will dwell within believers as they allow the Holy Spirit to reign

within. (See 1 John 2:29; 3:7; Gal. 2:20; Col. 1:27; Rev. 3:20.)

Every time we partake of the Lord's Supper we receive Jesus by faith, and

He becomes our indwelling righteousness, our qualification for the heavenly

kingdom.

TAU

FURTHER STUDY AND MEDITATION:

What similarities do you see

between the significance of the manna and the shewbread in ancient Israel

and the bread and wine partaken of by New Testament Christians? See Lev.

24:5-9; Deut. 8:3, 16; Neh. 9:19-21; Psalm 78:24, 25; John 6:27-63; Rev.

2:17. Read "A Servant of Servants" in

The Desire of Ages,

pages 642-661.

WHAT OTHERS TEACH:

Most churches do not practice foot washing.

The Pope once a year seeks out a poor person and washes his feet. The

Seventh-day Adventist Church is the only worldwide denomination that

practices this simple but beautiful service.

There are three major beliefs regarding the bread and the wine of the

Lord's Supper. For centuries many have accepted the doctrine of transub-

stantiation. This doctrine teaches that, when the priest pronounces the words

of consecration, the substance of the bread and the wine become the phys-

ical substance of Christ's body and blood. Each mass thus becomes a repeti-

tion of Calvary. By contrast, the Scriptures teach that there was only one

sacrifice for sin. (See Hebrews 7:27; 9:24-28; 10:12.)

Others believe the doctrine of consubstantiation, which teaches that, even

though the substance of the bread and wine remains unchanged, the sub-

stance of Christ's physical body and blood are added to it. On Scriptural

grounds Seventh-day Adventists agree with those Protestant churches that

view the bread and wine as symbols of the body and blood of Christ.

HOW TO SHARE THIS TRUTH WITH OTHERS:

Invite your friends

to attend a quarterly Communion service. Make sure that they understand

that if they are Christians they are welcome to participate, but that if they

would prefer they may simply observe. The preparatory service of foot

washing profoundly affects the observer. It becomes apparent that sinners

are saved by Christ's life, as well as His death. The foot washing commemo-

rates His life, and the bread and wine His death. The Holy Spirit can use this

service in a powerful way to impress people with the correctness and beauty

of the Scriptural message.

SUMMARY:

Seventh-day Adventists believe that the spiritual preparation

for the Lord's Supper is to take place prior to and during the foot washing

service. This is a time for humble self-examination, repentance, and recon-

ciliation between brethren. The Lord's Supper is the sacred service in which

unleavened bread and unfermented wine are partaken of as a memorial of

Christ's sacrifice at Calvary. As believers receive the bread and wine, by

faith accepting Christ into their hearts, they are spiritually renewed. The

Lord's Supper is also a foretaste of the heavenly feast that the redeemed will

enjoy with Christ in His kingdom.

— APPLICATION



•

Do I understand that the service of foot washing constitutes a re-

newal of the life commitment to Jesus that I made when baptized?

•

What is my attitude toward my Lord and other people when I partici-

pate in this sacred service?

o Do I absent myself from Communion services, and if so, why?

•

Have I invited any nonmember to visit this impressive service with

me?

Adult Lesson



tOc



God Tells Us About

Sphituall aft,

MEMORY TEXT: "Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up

on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men" (Eph.

4:8).

CENTRAL TEACHING: "Spiritual Gifts and Ministries.

God bestows

on all members of His church in every age spiritual gifts which each member

is to employ in loving ministry for the common good of the church and of

humanity. Given by the agency of the Holy Spirit, who apportions to each

member as He wills, the gifts provide all abilities and ministries needed by

the church to fulfill its divinely ordained functions. According to the Scrip-

tures, these gifts include such ministries as faith, healing, prophecy, procla-

mation, teaching, administration, reconciliation, compassion, and self-

sacrificing service and charity for the help and encouragement of people.

Some members are called of God and endowed by the Spirit for functions

recognized by the church in pastoral, evangelistic, apostolic, and teaching

ministries particularly needed to equip the members for service, to build up

the church to spiritual maturity, and to foster unity of the faith and knowl-

edge of God. When members employ these spiritual gifts as faithful stew-

ards of God's varied grace, the church is protected from the destructive in-

fluence of false doctrine, grows with a growth that is from God, and is built

up in faith and love."—Fundamental Belief No. 16.

OUTLINE:

The Promise Fulfilled.

II.

What Are the Gifts?

III.

What Is the Purpose of the Gifts?

IV.

How Do the Gifts Rank in Importance?

Discovering Your Gifts.

INTRODUCTION:

Circumstances sometimes make it necessary for fam-

ilies to be separated for long periods. Often the separation is occasioned by

the necessity for the husband and father to travel in the interests of his pro-

fession, even being away from his homeland for many months. If he is a

responsible person, he will make certain that his family is well cared for

during his absence. In the final moments at the airport before takeoff, he is

likely to say, "If you need more money be sure to take some out of

savings." He also may review briefly some of the other provisions he has

made for the family's welfare. "I put new tires on the car." "I ordered

enough heating oil to last until I get back."

Nineteen centuries ago, after establishing His church on earth, Jesus re-

turned to heaven. With anxious hearts the disciples watched Him ascend

act

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October

(Luke 24:50, 51; Acts 1:9). Would they be able to represent Him ade-

quately? Would they be able to carry forward successfully the work He had

assigned them? Would they have the talents needed to carry the gospel to all

the world?

With the same kind of compassion and consideration that characterized

His entire life, Jesus had foreseen their needs and made full provision for

them. Just before He ascended He said, "Behold, I send the promise of my

Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued

with power from on high" (Luke 24:49).

Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus provided for the needs of His disciples and

church from the time of His ascension until He would return again. In fact,

the greatest outpouring of the Holy Spirit is yet to be received by His people.

This will take place as soon as the church is ready to facilitate the finishing

of God's work in the world.

I. THE PROMISE FULFILLED.

Summarize in your own words Jesus' last promise to the disciples.

Acts 1:5, 8.

When was Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit realized by the infant

church? Eph. 4:8; Acts 2:1-4.

While remaining in the upper room where they had partaken of the Last

Supper with Christ, the disciples prepared for the reception of the promised

Holy Spirit. Study the steps in preparation as outlined in

The Acts of the

Apostles,

pp. 36, 37.

"They were weighted with the burden of the salvation of souls. They

realized that the gospel was to be carried to the world, and they claimed the

power that Christ had promised."—Page 37.

What was the result of their preparations?

"The Spirit came upon the waiting, praying disciples with a fullness that

reached every heart. The Infinite One revealed Himself in power to His

church. It was as if for ages this influence had been held in restraint, and

now Heaven rejoiced in being able to pour out upon the church the riches of

the Spirit's grace."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

p. 38.

In what spectacular way was the prayer of the disciples for power to

win souls answered? Acts 2:41.

THINK IT THROUGH: In the light of the promise of the outpouring of

the latter rain, what do you think would happen if we today followed the

same steps in preparation that the disciples took in the upper room?

111

II.

WHAT ARE THE GIFTS?

How did Paul indicate that it is important for us to understand all we

can about spiritual gifts? 1 Cor. 12:1.

STUDY the chart that follows in order to gain a fuller understanding of

what Paul includes in his listing of spiritual gifts:

Paul's List of Spiritual Gifts

Rom. 12:6-8

Eph. 4:7-11

1 Cor. 12:4-11

1 Cor. 12:28-31

1 Cor. 13:1-3

1. Prophecy

1. Apostles

1. Wisdom

1. Apostles

1. Martyrdom

2. Ministry

2. Prophets

2. Knowledge

2. Prophets

Sacrifice

Teaching

3. Evangelists

3. Faith

3. Teachers

3. Faith

4. Exhorting

4. Pastor-

4. Healing

4. Miracles

4. Knowledge

5. Giving

Teachers

5. Miracles

5. Healings

5. Prophecy

6. Ruling

6. Prophecy

6. Helps

6. Tongues

7. Showing

7. Discerning

7. Governments

mercy

Spirits

8. Tongues

9. Interpretation

of tongues

In the Greek, Ephesians 4:11 indicates that when Paul listed "pastors and

teachers" he was not talking about two separate gifts, but one. That is why

these are listed on one line in the chart and hyphenated.

Notice that Paul's lists seem to vary because of the different reasons that

he had in mind for listing the gifts in each passage mentioned. In Romans 12

his emphasis is on the

usefulness

of the gifts listed. In Ephesians 4 there

seems to be an attempt to list the order of

importance

to the church. In

1 Corinthians 12:4-11 Paul stresses the

communication

factor involved.

Later in this same chapter he apparently lists the gifts in order of importance

once again. When we put the list found in 1 Corinthians 13 in inverted order

(as in the chart) a listing of order of importance also becomes apparent,

although his emphasis in this chapter is on the

lasting effects

of the gifts.

THINK IT THROUGH: Which gift appears in each of these lists? Why

is that significant to us today?

III. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE GIFTS?

What major purpose for the spiritual gifts do you see in Ephesians

4:2, 3, 12, 13?

The gifts are not presented in order to build up the recipient, but to build

up the body—the church—and to enable church members better to serve

their community.

ILLUSTRATION:

"Some time ago my wife led a church youth group that

wanted to do something significant for the community. Someone suggested

that since several wealthy people lived in the community along with many

others with needs, it might be possible to match the needs with some of that

affluence.

"The youth divided into two groups. One went door-to-door to the

wealthy section of town asking what the people had that they might be will-

ing to give away. The other half went to the less privileged part of the city to

ask what the people needed.

"A couple of hours later the two groups reconvened at the church and

compared notes. What were the needs? What were the resources? Excite-

ment reigned. Here was a mother in need of food for her baby, and here a

family that had baby food left over after the visit of grandchildren. Here was

a family who had no kitchen table, and another who had replaced theirs and

had no room to store the old one.

"Although the story is true, I see it also as a parable of what God wishes

to accomplish in His church through the miracle of spiritual gifts. The Chris-

tian church is a place where people can come to get help—of whatever

kind. "—Don Jacobsen, "What Spiritual Gifts Mean to Me,"

Adventist Re-

view,

Dec. 25, 1986, pp. 11, 12.

LIST as many purposes for the gifts as you can from Paul's discussion

in Ephesians 4:12, 14, 15:



What indication does Paul give that the gifts still are necessary in our

day? Eph. 4:13.

IV. HOW DO THE GIFTS RANK IN IMPORTANCE?

Why does the Spirit give different gifts to the members of the body of

Christ? 1 Cor. 12:11-25.

Although Paul shows the value of each distinct gift, there is a sense in

I Corinthians 12 through 14 in which some gifts are said to be more impor-

tant than others. (See 1 Cor. 12:31.) Refer to the chart under section II of the

lesson to review the way Paul ranks the gifts. One reason why he does so is

to demonstrate that the tongues phenomenon that was taking place in the

Corinthian church should not be given undue importance. (See chapter 14.)

Notice that when it comes to the gift of tongues, it rates rather low on the

scale of importance Paul assigns. Instead of condemning the manifestation

of tongues in Corinth, Paul points out that there is a "more excellent way"

(1 Cor. 12:31). He then explains in 1 Corinthians 13 that none of the gifts

have real value unless they are combined with the gift of love. That Paul is

not referring to sentimental or natural human love becomes quite clear in his

development of chapter 13.

COMPARE Paul's lists of what love is and what it is not in 1 Corinthi-

ans 13 in order to understand more fully the kind of love about which he

is talking. The terms used will be clearer if you use a newer translation.

What contrast is drawn between love and such gifts as prophecy,

knowledge, and tongues in 1 Corinthians 13:8-12?

There are three particularly valuable and abiding gifts given to all

who accept Christ: (1) faith, (2) hope, and (3) love. Which is the most

important and significant gift of all? 1 Cor. 13:13. Why?

In the last days it is this gift that brings in its train the greatest and fullest

outpouring of the Holy Spirit on God's people in the latter rain.

Adventists believe that there are two major outpourings of the Holy

Spirit. The first was given to the church at Pentecost and has never been

taken away. It was Christ's special gift of love supplied in full measure in

order to meet the needs of His church throughout time.

Paul testified in Romans 5:5, "The love of God is shed abroad in our

hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." He expands on this

thought in Ephesians 3:17. After describing the power of the Holy Spirit to

change the inner life of those Christians to whom he was writing, he prayed

that "Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith" so that they would be

"rooted and grounded in love."

This is primarily what the early rain experience is all about. It involves the

daily, hourly work of the Spirit in our lives, bringing about transformation

and victory over sin, covering us with Christ's righteousness. But the "in-

dwelling of the Spirit will be shown by the outflowing of heavenly love"

(Christ's Object Lessons,

p. 419), and when the lovely character of Christ is

fully reproduced in His people, the latter rain will be poured out as a means

of calling the attention of the world to the love of God evidenced in His

church.

We are told: "We may be sure that when the Holy Spirit is poured out,

those who did not receive ar d appreciate the early rain will not see or under-

stand the value of the latter

rain."—Testimonies to Ministers,

p. 399.

V. DISCOVERING YOUR GIFTS:

What indicates that every church member has a gift or gifts? 1 Cor.

12:4-11.

Two facts are worth noting: (1) The Spirit decides which gifts to bestow.

He takes this responsibility because He alone knows which gifts are needed

by the church. He alone knows which gifts each Christian will utilize. (2)

Not everyone receives the same gift, nor are all the gifts available to every-

one. Thus, for example, we do not have the right to insist that the Spirit give

us the gift of prophecy, the gift of healing, or the gift of tongues. Instead, we

will surrender fully to Christ, lay our natural talents on the altar, and ask

God to give us the specific gifts of the Spirit that He knows it is best for us to

have (Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Peter 4:10, 11). Whatever gifts God gives us He ex-

pects us to use in witnessing to others.

How do we discover which gift or gifts God has given us?

"The following suggestions have been helpful to me in seeking to dis-

cover God's gifts in myself and in others.

"1.

Walk closely with Jesus each day.

Spiritual gifts are for spiritual

people. Sometimes I have felt-like doing nothing in Christ's service because

I have grown careless in my walk with Him.

"2.

Gather a group of fellow believers,

perhaps including your pastor,

and carefully study the biblical topic of spiritual gifts.

"3.

Be willing to venture

and experiment. If you sense a gentle nudge of

the Spirit, or are asked to undertake a new and unfamiliar task in your

church or community, don't immediately say 'No.' If it frightens you, ask if

you could try it for a month rather than a year, as an associate rather than the

leader.

"4.

After you have some experience,

consult your own feelings. God-

appointed service, done in His way, will bring great satisfaction. While you

may not feel adequate or capable, you should find a sense of accomplish-

ment in knowing that you are using tools crafted especially for you.

"5.

Look for affirmation

from other Spirit-led Christians. If God has

called and gifted you for some area of service, others of His family will

notice. Often in this setting God will confirm your gift. On the other hand, if

you receive no response, see no fruit, and feel constant drudgery in the task,

perhaps God wishes to call you to a different area of ministry.

"God equips His Spirit-filled people to be the channels through whom He

can pour the rich resources of heaven upon those in need—in the church and

out. One of the most thrilling discoveries a Christian can make is to see

God's kingdom extended and humbly acknowledge, `God used me

there.' "—Don Jacobsen, "What Spiritual Gifts Mean to Me,"

Adventist

Review,

Dec. 25, 1986, pp. 12, 13.

FURTHER STUDY AND MEDITATION:

Read the chapter entitled

"The Gift of the Spirit" in

The Acts of the Apostles,

pages 47-56;

—Christ's

Object Lessons,

p. 328.

WHAT OTHERS TEACH:

During the past few years the subject of spirit-

ual gifts has been a dominant theme in the evangelical world. It is a common

subject taught in numerous church seminaries. Seminars dealing with spirit-

ual gifts are being conducted constantly, teaching what spiritual gifts are and

how to use them. In some groups, spiritual gifts seem to focus mainly on

speaking in tongues. Speaking in tongues, however, is not limited to any

one group. It forms what might be termed a religious cross-cultural phenom-

enon. Not all manifestations of "tongues" are from heaven. In a world

where the supernatural is promoted, Christians must be certain to base their

beliefs about spiritual gifts exclusively on the Scriptures.

HOW TO SHARE THIS TRUTH WITH OTHERS:

One of the fastest

growing religious movements that crosses denominational barriers is the

charismatic movement. Adherents to this theology believe that the baptism

of the Holy Spirit is proven initially by speaking with other tongues as the

Spirit gives them utterance. Seventh-day Adventists believe that Christ is

our example for the Christian life. For instance, He was baptized although

He did not need it in order to set us an example. It is interesting that there is

no record that He ever spoke in tongues, but His Jordan baptism did include

the Spirit baptism (Matt. 3:16).

With our emphasis on spiritual gifts, including the gift of prophecy,

Seventh-day Adventists certainly believe in such gifts. But we do not be-

lieve that the gift of speaking in tongues is the sign that we have been bap-

tized by the Spirit. Not all are given the same gifts and, as has been devel-

oped in this lesson, even the genuine tongues is one of the lesser gifts in the

order of importance Paul presents. We need to set an example in using our

gifts to help to encourage others. We also need to help them recognize the

gifts God has given them and encourage them to put their gifts to work for

Him.

SUMMARY:

In two or three brief sentences, summarize what you have

learned from this lesson:

— APPLICATION

•

Do I realize that all of the gifts of the Spirit emanate from the one

Supreme Gift, Jesus Christ?

•

Am I making a study of the gifts of the Spirit in order to understand

how they relate to me personally?

•

Do I daily pray for God to give me the gift of fitness to meet others in

a redemptive way?

•

Do I understand that gifts do not come for the elevation of self but

rather to send me out in sacrifice for others?

•

Do I realize that the remnant church, as the body of Christ, will be

known not so much for what it teaches as for how it lives?

Adult

Lesson



God Te1111s Us About

the Gift of Prophecy

SAB

MEMORY TEXT: "Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be

PMJ

established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper" (2 Chron.

20:20).

CENTRAL TEACHING: "The Gift of Prophecy.

One of the gifts of the

Holy Spirit is prophecy. This gift is an identifying mark of the remnant

church and was manifested in the ministry of Ellen G. White. As the Lord's

messenger, her writings are a continuing and authoritative source of truth

which provide for the church comfort, guidance, instruction, and correc-

tion. They also make clear that the Bible is the standard by which all teach-

ing and experience must be tested. "—Fundamental Belief No. 17.

OUTLINE:

What Was the Work of Inspired Bible Prophets?

II.

How Did the Prophets Receive Their Messages?

III.

How Can We Identify a True Prophet?

IV.

Will There Be True Prophets in the Last-Day Church?

Has the Prophetic Gift Been Manifested in the Last-Day

Church?

INTRODUCTION:

Jesus predicted that in the last days there would arise

"false Christs, and false prophets" (Matt 24:24). Whatever fulfillments

there may have been of that prediction in past centuries, no one can doubt

that we are seeing it dramatically fulfilled today. False religious teachers,

people claiming to be Christ, and others claiming to have received direct

communications from God are prevalent in our contemporary world. It is

important that every Christian be able to distinguish the false from the true.

None of us wishes to be deceived in these last days before the second advent

of Jesus. The Bible has much to say about the work of prophets, and the

means by which the genuine prophetic gift can be identified.

Since God gave special messages through the prophets in past ages for the

encouragement and spiritual enlightenment of His people, why can He not

use someone in that way in the twentieth century? Is God's power to com-

municate with His people any less today than it was in the time of Elijah or

Jeremiah? Why should we accept the reality of miraculous prophetic inspira-

tion in earlier ages but deny it for our age? If we should discover that the

tests of a true prophet are fulfilled in the ministry of a modern individual,

then how unwise we would be not to accept the messages as coming from

God! To reject the counsel of a true prophet is to insult the Holy Spirit.

I. WHAT WAS THE WORK OF INSPIRED BIBLE PROPHETS?

SEARCH AND LEARN: What do the following Bible passages tell us

about the work of Bible prophets?

Luke 24:27



0 2 Tim. 3:16, 17



1 Peter 1:10, 11



0 Jer. 28



1 Chron. 29:29, 30



The primary purpose of all divine prophecy is the revelation of Jesus

Christ as the only way of salvation. God gave prophetic messages to lead

lost souls to the Saviour. Sometimes the instruction given had timeless rel-

evance. It was intended not only for the prophet's day but also for every

subsequent age. In such cases the messages were recorded for future genera-

tions. Sometimes the messages were intended especially for the prophet's

own contemporaries. In such cases, the messages were not preserved for

future ages. The writings of such prophets as Nathan, Gad, Ahijah, and Jehu

are not in the sacred canon (the collection of Bible books) because they did

not have special application for future generations. Some problems in God's

church are local as to time and place. The Lord has sometimes chosen spe-

cial prophets to meet such local situations. For instance, the Spirit of the

Lord came upon Jahaziel, who prophesied before the people of Judah during

the reign of Jehoshaphat. He assured them of victory over their enemies the

next day. He uttered the famous words "For the battle is not your's but

God's" (2 Chron. 20:15).

An inspired prophet is not necessarily a canonical prophet. The messages

of inspired non-canonial prophets came directly from God, just as did the

messages of canonical prophets. The only difference was that the writings of

the canonical prophets were selected by God for inclusion in the Bible. The

messages of non-canonical prophets may have been a repetition of counsels

already included in the written Scriptures, or they may have been designed

to meet some local situation.

Women as well as men were called to the prophetic office. Name some

of them:

0 Ex. 15:20, 21



0 Judges 4:4, 5



0 2 Kings 22:14



Luke 2:36



0 Acts 21



The Lord does not discriminate on the basis of sex when choosing persons

to communicate His special messages to the people. Often He has chosen

godly women as instruments of His special revelations.

II. HOW DID THE PROPHETS RECEIVE THEIR MESSAGES?

In what main ways did God's messages come to the prophets?

•

Hosea 12:10



•

Dan 7



•

Dan. 8:16, 17



•

Eze. 2:2, 3



•

2 Sam. 23:1-3



The direct communications of the Holy Spirit were sometimes heard audi-

bly, and sometimes recognized as an unmistakable inner command. The

messages given inaudibly were not the same as the conviction of the Holy

Spirit that every believer experiences. There was direct communication

from the mind of God to the mind of the prophet, so that a specific divine

message was communicated. The prophet knew that his responsibility was

to pass on this message to the people.

ILLUMINATION:

"It is not the words of the Bible that are inspired, but

the men that were inspired. Inspiration acts not on the man's words or his

expressions but on the man himself, who, under the influence of the Holy

Ghost, is imbued with thoughts. But the words receive the impress of the

individual mind. The divine mind is diffused. The divine mind and will is

combined with the human mind and will; thus the utterances of the man are

the word of God.

"—Selected Messages,

bk. 1, p. 21.

"We believe the light given by God to His servants is by the enlighten-

ment of the mind, thus imparting the thoughts, and not (except in rare cases)

the very words in which the ideas should be expressed. "—General Confer-

ence Proceedings,

Review and Herald,

Nov. 27, 1883.

What physical state did the prophet sometimes experience when in

vision? Dan. 10:7-9, 16-19; Num. 24:3, 4, 16; 2 Cor 12:1-4.

The Bible does not teach that the physical state of the prophet while in

vision was always the same. Nor are we told that the physical phenomena

are to be used as a test of the genuineness of a prophet's claims. The phys-

ical state of the prophet in vision can be counterfeited. If the physical phe-

nomena are present when other Bible tests of a true prophet give positive

results, they can be regarded as supporting evidence of the genuineness of

the gift.

TRUE

In what two ways did prophets pass on God's messages to the people?

Isa. 6:9-11; Jer. 36:1, 2.

III. HOW CAN WE IDENTIFY A TRUE PROPHET?

With what teachings will the true prophet's messages be consistent?

Isa. 8:20; Rev. 22:18, 19 (compare Jer. 23:16, 21, 22, 28).

Isaiah 8:20 may be translated as the New International Version renders it:

"To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this

word, they have no light of dawn." If they do not teach according to the

Bible, then you know that their message did not come from God.

ILLUMINATION:

"The word of God is the standard by which all teaching

and experience must be tested.

"—The Great Controversy,

p. vii.

"God will have a people upon the earth to maintain the Bible, and the

Bible only, as the standard of all doctrines and the basis of all reforms."—

The Great Controversy,

p. 595.

"The Bible, and the Bible alone, is to be our creed, the sole bond of

union; all who bow to this Holy Word will be in harmony.

"—Selected Mes-

sages,

bk. 1, p. 416.

What will be the spiritual results of a true prophet's teaching in his

own life and in the lives of those he influences? Matt. 7:15-20.

One of the major signs of the end will be false prophets whose main work

is deception. (See Matt. 24:4, 11, 24.) Christ has given His true followers

the right to be fruit-inspectors: " 'By their fruit you will recognize them' "

(Matt. 7:20, NIV).

How reliable are the predictions of a true prophet of God? Deut.

18:20-22; Jer. 28:9.

Some divine predictions are conditional upon man's response. Nineveh

was saved, despite Jonah's predictions that it would be destroyed. The peo-

ple fulfilled the condition for the divine sentence to be waived. (See Jonah

3:10.) Many of the divine promises to literal Israel could not be fulfilled

because of the people's continuing apostasy. (See Jer. 18:7-10.) Neverthe-

less, the test is valid; true prophets do not make false predictions.

What will the true prophet teach in regard to Jesus Christ? 1 John

4:1-3.

IV. WILL THERE BE TRUE PROPHETS IN THE LAST-DAY

CHURCH?

SEARCH AND LEARN: What do the Bible passages that follow reveal

about the gift of prophecy in the last-day church?

•

Joel 2:28-32



•

Eph. 4:11-14



•

Rev. 12:17



•

Rev. 19:10



Joel's prophecy establishes that in the last days some faithful ones will

receive visions and dreams from the Lord.

The "testimony of Jesus Christ" that John refers to in Revelation 12:17 is

defined in Revelation 19:10. The angel clearly meant that, like John, he had

prophetic messages from Christ.

The point is that "the testimony of Jesus Christ" in the book of Revelation

refers to more than the work of the Holy Spirit in every believing heart. It

refers to the work of inspired prophets who, like John, have received vi-

sions, dreams, and special verbal communications to be given to humanity.

The Lord promised through Joel and John that He would give prophetic

messages in the last days to lead people back to the Bible and back to Jesus.

What should be our attitude to the work of genuinely inspired proph-

ets? 1 Thess. 5:19-21; 2 Chron. 20:20; compare Matt 23:37, 38.

V. HAS THE PROPHETIC GIFT BEEN MANIFESTED IN THE

LAST-DAY CHURCH?

The Seventh-day Adventist Church believes that the true gift of prophecy

was manifested in the ministry of Ellen G. White. The questions that follow

are suggested by the foregoing Bible study:

What did Ellen White claim for herself?

have had no claims to make, only that

I am instructed that I am the

Lord's messenger;

that He called me in my youth to be His messenger, to

receive His word, and to give a clear and decided message in the name of the

Lord Jesus. . . .

"Why have I not claimed to be a prophet? — Because in these days many

who boldly claim that they are prophets are a reproach to the cause of Christ;

and because my work includes much more than the word 'prophet'

signifies.

"—Selected Messages,

bk. 1, p. 32.

Did Ellen White claim to have had visions and dreams from the

Lord?

Many times in her writings she refers to visions and dreams given to her

by God. See

Testimonies, vol.

1, pp. 58-61, 67-71, 72, 74, 76-77, 79, 83.

3. Does Ellen White measure up to the tests of a true prophet?

0 The consistency of her writings with Scripture.

Ellen White's

writings teach no doctrine that cannot be substantiated solely from Scrip-

ture. Her writings lead us back to the Bible. They provide simple explana-

tions of Bible truths, that should have been understood by those professing

to believe Scripture.

Ellen White did not teach that her writings should be used as another

Bible, or that they should be added to the sacred canon: "I recommend to

you, dear reader, the Word of God as the rule of your faith and practice. By

that Word we are to be judged. God has, in that Word, promised to give

visions in the

'last days';

not for a new rule of faith, but for the comfort of

His people, and to correct those who err from Bible truth."—

Early

Writings,

p. 78.

"Little heed is given to the Bible, and the Lord has given a lesser light to

lead men and women to the greater light."—

Review and Herald,

Jan. 20,

1903, p. 15.

o The fruitage of Ellen White's work.

The noble Christian character of

Ellen White was attested to by many of those who knew her. (See Arthur L.

White's biography entitled

Ellen G. White,

6 volumes. These volumes are a

rich source of information regarding the beginning and development of the

Advent movement as well as the work of Ellen White. See also F. D. Nichol,

Ellen G. White and Her Critics.)

The fruitage of Ellen White's work in the

lives of others is demonstrated in two ways:

The growth of the Seventh-day Adventist work and institutions around the

world:

No other denomination the size of the Seventh-day Adventist Church

has educational, medical, and publishing work as large and widespread.

This is mainly attributable to Ellen White's work as God's messenger.

The spiritual impact of her writings:

Millions have been drawn to Christ

and the Bible through her published works. The only way to test her influ-

ence for yourself is to read her works.

,0 Ellen White's predictions have been accurate.

All of the uncondi-

tional predictions applying to the period prior to our day have been fulfilled.

Current events reveal the gradual fulfillment of her predictions for the last

days. (See the final chapters of

The Great Controversy.)

In 1848 she correctly predicted the amazing growth of the Seventh-day

Adventist publishing work. (See

Life Sketches,

p. 125.) In the earliest stages

of spiritualism's growth in America, she predicted that it would become a

world religion. (See

Early Writings,

pp. 43, 59, 87.)

In 1890 she predicted the destruction that we have seen in two world

wars. (See

Messages to Young People,

pp. 89, 90.)

Arthur L. White's six-volume biography of Ellen G. White provides con-

vincing evidence that her predictions regarding the lives of individuals and

the circumstances of the church have been remarkably fulfilled.

Ellen White exalted Christ.

Her writings constantly exalt Christ as the

only Source of salvation, the Head of the church, the all-sufficient Sacrifice,

the forgiving Mediator, and the merciful Judge. She depicts Christ as Deity

in the highest sense, and human in every respect except sin. (See

The Desire

of Ages, Christ's Object Lessons, Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing.)

Her book

Steps to Christ is

a superb commentary on the Bible teaching of-

righteousness by faith in Jesus.

FURTHER STUDY AND MEDITATION:

Are later inspired prophets au-

thoritative interpreters of earlier prophets? See Rom. 10:5-10 (compare Lev.

18:5; Eze. 20:11, 13, 21; Neh. 9:29; Deut. 30:11-14); Rom. 1:16, 17 (com-

pare Hab. 2:4); 1 Cor. 9:9 (compare Deut. 25:4); Gal. 4:22-24 (compare the

Old Testament account); Matt. 24:15 (compare Dan. 8:13; 9:27); Acts 2:17-

21 (compare Joel 2:28-32); Acts 2:25-28 (compare Ps. 16:8-11).

Did Ellen White regard her writings as providing inspired interpretations

of Scripture? See

Colporteur Ministry,

p. 126;

Testimonies,

vol. 8, p. 236;

Testimonies to Ministers,

p. 402;

Gospel Workers,

p. 302;

This Day With

God,

p. 317.

WHAT OTHERS TEACH:

Christian churches in general do not deny that

prophets have existed since apostolic times. Even so, their description of

this spiritual gift is usually quite broad and indefinite. There are those who

consider great leaders such as Luther, Wycliffe, and Calvin to have been

prophets. Several TV evangelists, -who may not claim to be prophets, testify

to having visions, dreams, or special •communications from God. Others

teach that, in a sense, every Christian is a prophet, because the Spirit of

Christ has come upon all flesh. Some churches claim that the prophetic gift

is manifested in their midst. How important it is to apply the principles of

this lesson in order to avoid deception.

HOW TO SHARE THIS TRUTH WITH OTHERS:

Many find that the

best way to share this truth with others is the "taste and see method." Share

a book written by Ellen G. White, such as

The Desire of Ages, The Ministry

of Healing, Christ's Object Lessons,

Steps to Christ.

Before presenting

the book, give .a warm personal testimony as to the blessing you have re-

ceived by.reading it and following its principles. Do not reveal any details

about the author until after they have read the work for themselves. If their

response is positive share with them who Ellen White was.

SUMMARY:

Seventh-day Adventists believe that the genuineness of a pro-

fessed prophet can be determined by the application of the tests given in

Scripture. When these tests are applied to Ellen White, she is found to be an

inspired modern prophet.

—

APPLICATION

•

Am I grateful for the counsel God has given through both the Bible

and the writings of Ellen G. White?

•

Do I spend as much time daily with these messages as I do watching

television?

•

Am I making efforts to share Ellen White's books with others who

need to receive their special inspiration and guidance.

This C ristmas

Give a School

When you give money to

the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering,

December 19, you're giving desks,

•

chalkboards and the chance for a

brighter future to children in

Curitiba, Brazil.

Help Build a School in

Curitiba, Brazil.

THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING

Adult

Lesson

October 28-29

What God's Law

Tens Us About God

MEMORY TEXT: "Do we then make void the law through faith?

God forbid: yea, we establish the law" (Rom. 3:31).

LL !J

CENTRAL THOUGHT: "The Law of God.

The great principles of

God's law are embodied in the Ten Commandments and exemplified in the

life of Christ. They express God's love, will, and purposes concerning hu-

man conduct and relationships and are binding upon all people in every age.

These precepts are the basis of God's covenant with His people and the

standard of God's judgment. Through the agency of the Holy Spirit they

point out sin and awaken a sense of need for a Saviour. Salvation is all of

grace and not of works, but its fruitage is obedience to the Commandments.

This obedience develops Christian character and results in a sense of well-

being. It is an evidence of our love for the Lord and our concern for our

fellow men. The obedience of faith demonstrates the power of Christ to

transform lives, and therefore strengthens Christian witness."—Fundamen-

tal Belief No. 18.

OUTLINE:

The Law Reveals God's Love.

II.

The Law Measures Christian Growth.

III.

The Law in the New Testament.

IV.

A Faith That Works.

The Results of Faith at Work.

INTRODUCTION:

A man journeying by foot was puzzled yet amused by

a sign he came across in front of a convent. It read:

KEEP OUT

SISTERS OF MERCY

As he continued his travels he meditated on the apparent inconsistency.

Some see an inconsistency between the Bible's emphasis on combining

law with grace, faith with works, and justice with mercy. But there is no

inconsistency.

God thundered His love at Mt. Sinai. He expanded its meaning in the

Sermon on the Mount. But He displayed its depth and fullness at Mt. Cal-

vary. Sinai still symbolizes law and Calvary symbolizes grace. Yet one is

not complete without the other. Sinai shows us what God's love is like and

how far we are removed by nature from living a life that reflects His love.

Calvary shows us that God's law could not be changed, thus God Himself

- 37

had to pay the price for our sins. Because the Christ who died on the cross

spoke the law on Sinai (see

Evangelism,

p. 616) both carry the message of

God's love in a consistent fashion.

Because "God is love" (1 John 4:8), we live in a universe characterized

by law and order. Not only did the Creator set in operation the laws that

govern the clockwork-like movements of the heavenly bodies but He also

instituted laws that regulate the life and health of the human beings He

placed on this planet. These laws are intended to enhance rather than inhibit

life. The "more abundant" life Jesus promised in John 10:10 to those who

follow Him comes when by His grace we conform to the laws of life and

health.

These laws hold before us an ideal and imply a promise that, through

Christ, we can measure up to the ideal.

I. THE LAW REVEALS GOD'S LOVE.

Seventh-day Adventists believe that God's law is eternal in principle. As

the transcript of His character, it demonstrates what His love is like.

COMPARE the attributes of God with the law's inherent qualities by

studying the comparisons that follow:

God



Attribute



Law

Ezra 9:15



Righteous



Psalm 119:172

Matt. 5:48



Perfect



Psalm 19:7

Lev. 19:2



Holy



Rom. 7:12

Psalm 34:8



Good



Rom. 7:12

Deut. 32:4



Truth



Psalm 119:142

How does Matthew 22:36-40 sum up the essence of the law?

Jesus made it clear that He did not come to change the law of God. The

first four of the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:3-11 deal with our rela-

tionship to God. The last six in Exodus 20:12-17 are concerned primarily

with our relationships with people about us.

ILLUMINATION:

"If man love God in all the breadth and beauty sug-

gested by the words 'with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy

mind,' he cannot possibly find room for another God, and so the first word

is kept. If man love God supremely, he will not suffer anything to stand

between him and God, thus the graven image is broken to pieces, and swept

away by the force of a stronger affection. Out of love will spring that

hallowing of the name of God which will dry the springs of blasphemy, and

make the double dealing of the hypocrite an impossibility. The Sabbath will

be eagerly welcomed, and all its privileges earnestly and gladly appropriated

when it is a season in which love may find its way into the attitude of wor-

ship, and the acts of service following therefrom.

"Passing to the second table, and looking now at love in its working

toward others, it will at once be seen that the only sufficient power for obe-

dience and honor rendered to parents is that of love. There will be no

thought of murder until the awful moment has arrived in which the flame of

love has died out upon the altar. Unchastity of every description is love's

sure destruction, growing gross upon the very death of that which it so vilely

personates. All theft is rendered impossible by true love for one's neighbor.

Love sits as a sentinel at the portal of the lips, and arrests the faintest whis-

per of false witness against a neighbor; nay, rather dwells within the heart,

and slays the thought that might have inspired the whisper. It is love and

love alone that, finding satisfaction in God, satisfies the heart's hunger, and

prevents all coveting."—G. Campbell Morgan,

The Ten Commandments,

(New York: Fleming H. Revell Company, 1901), pp. 120, 121.

In Romans 13:10 Paul succinctly summarizes in a single statement what it

takes to keep the law: "Love is the fulfilling of the law."

II. THE LAW MEASURES CHRISTIAN GROWTH.

One outstanding feature of God's laws often overlooked is that, although

they set minimum boundaries, there are no maximum limits. We are told not

to kill or hate. But there is no limit to our expressing God's kind of love.

Although we are not to steal from either God or those about us, there is no

limit to how much of what we have can be given to bless God's work or

others.

What is new about Jesus' new commandment? John 13:34.

The new commandment was not intended to add to or transcend the Ten

Commandments. It was intended to enhance them by a new and unique ex-

ample of how they could be kept. Jesus came to give us a new perspective of

the purpose, power, and promise of God's law. Jesus came to this world not

only to show us how to live according to the laws of God but to provide the

transforming grace that alone can enable us to surrender fully to God's will

for us as it is expressed in His laws. Rather than being requirements for

getting into heaven, God's laws become to the consecrated Christian a mea-

sure or yardstick of his growing experience as well as a challenge to keep on

growing in grace.

The Ten Commandments express God's love, will, and purposes con-

cerning human conduct and are just as binding and meaningful to people

today as they were when they were first given. Although most are expressed

in negative "Thou shalt nots," they are not restrictions so much as they are

word pictures of the kind of character God's children will reflect when they

choose to live as He would have them live. They can be expressed in the

positive sense as follows:

Loyalty—God

will be first. If we are Christ's our thoughts are of

Him. We will seek the spiritual, not the material. We will long to bear His

image, breathe His Spirit, do His will, and please Him in all things because

we love Him.

Worship—We

worship the unseen, not the seen. The things we once

hated we now love, and the things we once loved we now hate.

Reverence—The vain

customs and fashions of the world are laid

aside. Our conversation, affections, and sympathies are in heaven. Our

hearts are kept tender and subdued by the Spirit of Christ.

Sanctification—Christ

is recognized as Creator and Re-Creator, not

only by our keeping the seventh part of time but in our full acceptance of the

rest of redemption. His holiness is evidenced in our lives, and the works of

holiness, which previously seemed dull, uninteresting, and wearisome, are

now our delight.

Respect for Authority—This

begins in the home between parents and

children, but extends to all relationships, with both God and man. Disobedi-

ence and rebellion are replaced by obedience and cooperation.

Respect for

Life—Truly converted persons respect their own lives as

well as those of others. Love, humility, and peace take the place of anger,

envy, and strife. Our souls are imbued with divine love and captivated with

the heavenly mysteries. The fruit of the Spirit—love—is evidenced in the

life.

Purity—There is a complete transformation—passion, appetites, and

will are brought into perfect submission to God. The former life appears

disgusting and sinful. Sinful thoughts are put away, and evil deeds are re-

nounced because of our love for God and respect for His will.

Honesty—This

involves our relationships and the way we carry on

business affairs with our fellow humans. It also characterizes our relation-

ship with God. Instead of robbing God of such things as our health, time,

tithe, and offerings, we gladly dedicate all we have to Him. Duty becomes a

delight, and sacrifice a pleasure.

Truthfulness—By

our words we shall be justified or condemned.

When the heart is right our words and deeds will be right, and we will be-

come men and women of strict integrity.

10.

Contentment—The

practice of holiness will be pleasant when there is

perfect surrender to God. Joy takes the place of sadness and covetousness.

The countenance reflects the peace and happiness of heaven.

THINK IT THROUGH: As I measure my current state of Christian

development by the ten positive principles of God's law, in what specific

area or areas do I need the Holy Spirit's help in order better to repre-

sent the character of God to those about me?

III. THE LAW IN THE NEW TESTAMENT.

What was Christ's attitude toward and relationship to the law? Matt.

5:17-19; John 14:15.

Christ fulfilled the moral law by living the principles of the law in His

love for God and for humanity. Such love fired His mission. He did not

come to destroy the law. How could He destroy His love by loving? His

entire life exemplified what God's love is like. It included being willing to

go to the cross for the undeserving. When Jesus hung helpless on Calvary—

lonely and hated—He took all the mockery, jeers, taunts, and rejection,

gasping, "Father, forgive them." As He hung there, He gave the greatest

demonstration of the law's eternal principles. Any idea that what happened

on the cross changed the law comes from a superficial understanding of

TRUE

WED

1111

what took Jesus to and kept Him on the cross. If there was any way that God

could have saved the world and also spared His Son this utter ignominy and

devastating anguish He would have done it. But salvation's plan demands

love for the undeserving. It involves loving the unworthy, loving them for

their sake and not for one's own sake. God went to the cross willingly in an

utter self-abandonment for others. This selfless act opens up the very mean-

ing of the law.

The unchangeable principles that constitute the basis of God's nature are

the basis of His government in heaven and on earth. Both Old and New

Testaments reveal the inextricable union of God with his law.

MATCHING: Discover for yourself how the Ten Commandments can

be found in the New Testament by matching the texts in the column at

right with the Ten Commandments listed at the left:



First commandment



a. Heb. 4:4-6



Second commandment



b. Eph. 6:2



Third commandment



c. 1 Thess. 1:9



Fourth commandment



d. Matt. 5:21



Fifth commandment



e. Matt. 5:27



Sixth commandment



f. Acts 17:22-25



Seventh commandment



g. Rom. 7:7



Eighth commandment



h. Mark 10:19 (4th in list)



Ninth commandment



i. Matt. 5:33-37



Tenth commandment



j. Rom. 13:9 (5th in list)

IV. A FAITH THAT WORKS.

Analyze Hebrews 11:6. What is the proper balance between faith and

works?

Faith is the absolute essential. If it is missing, then nothing else will en-

sure our salvation. Hebrews 11:6 implies that when we live the life of faith it

will be possible for us to please God.

What was the result of Enoch's faith? Heb. 11:5.

Through Enoch God proved to the world and to the universe that sinful,

fallen human beings can achieve perfect characters by God's grace through

faith.

ILLUMINATION:

Enoch "was a light amid the moral darkness, a pattern

man, a man who walked with God, being obedient to God's law—that law

which Satan had refused to obey, which Adam had transgressed, which

Abel obeyed, and because of his obedience was murdered. And now God

would demonstrate to the universe the falsity of Satan's charge that man

cannot keep God's law. He would demonstrate that though man had sinned,

he could so relate himself to God that he would have the mind and spirit of

God and would be a representative symbol of Christ. This holy man was

TAU

selected of God to denounce the wickedness of the world, and to evidence to

the world that it is possible for men to keep all the law of God. . . .

"Enoch walked with God and 'had the testimony that his ways pleased_

God.' This is the privilege of every believer today."—Ellen G. White,

The

Upward Look,

p. 228.

ILLUSTRATION:

The painting of the motto for the 1947 Washington

Conference camp meeting was assigned to a local shop. The word

faith

was -

supposed to be placed on one side of the main theme and the word

works

the other. Misunderstanding his instructions, the sign painter put these

words at the center bottom portion of the banner so that it read, "Faith

works." Although that was not what was intended, it made a most appropri-

ate motto, for faith does not stand alone, isolated by itself. Wherever genu-

ine faith is manifested it is faith that works.

A faith without works is a faith that does not work. John. Calvin put it this.

way: "We are saved by faith alone, but faith is never alone."

What does Galatians 2:17-21 tell us about how faith works?

"In order for man to be justified by faith, faith must reach a point where it

will control the affections and impulses of the heart; and it is by obedience

that faith itself

is made perfect.

"—Selected Messages,

bk. 1, p. 366.

V. THE RESULTS OF FAITH AT WORK.-

"Faith quickens the senses to work diligently to produce results. "—Ellen

G. White,

The Upward Look,

p. 72.

Among the results of faith at work are the following:

1. Keeping the Commandments and Following God's Will.

Before

Christ can come, God must demonstrate to the universe through a significant

number of human examples that fallen humanity

can

keep His command-

ments through partaking the divine nature. (See 2 Peter 1:3, 4.)

How does Revelation 14:12 summarize what the three angels' mes-

sages are about?

Last-day commandment keepers are motivated by love. They love God so

much that they are willing to do whatever He says, no matter what the con-

sequences to themselves.

What attitude characterizes true commandment keeping? 1 John 5:3.

The keeping of God's law brings us the happiness and blessing that God

intended His laws to bring to His people. Through disobedience we cheat

ourselves of the blessings that harmony with God's laws brings.

2. Heeding Christ's Commission.

Hearts filled with the love of God

naturally will do everything possible to save others. Commandment keepers

do not have to be pushed into witnessing. It becomes their delight. Anytime

we discover the thrill of something better we are eager to share it with oth-

ers. Our loving service also is motivated by a sense of urgency in this final

judgment hour when the close of probation is fast approaching. In witness-

ing it is not what we say that impresses others so much as the way we dem-

onstrate the blessing of acommandment-keeping life-style.

FURTHER STUDY AND MEDITATION:

"He who is trying to reach

heaven by his own works in keeping the law, is attempting an impossibility.

Man cannot be saved without obedience, but his works should not be of

himself; Christ should work in him to will and do of His good pleasure. If a

man could save himself by his own works, he might have something in

himself in which to rejoice. . . . All that man can do without Christ is pol-

luted with selfishness and sin; but that which is wrought through faith is

acceptable to

God."—Selected Messages,

bk 1, p. 364.

"This comparison between God and His law has always impressed me.

Do I wish to know what God is like? Then I study what has been revealed in

His law,-for its-attributes are His.

"Do I wish to know by what kind of law God governs His people? Then I

need only to read what the Scriptures reveal about the character of my Fa-

ther, for His character is revealed in His law.

"Do I wish to know what kind of behavior will result if I live in obedi-

ence? Then I need to consider Christ Himself. His life was the law trans-

muted into a radiant, vibrant experience!

"Thus, as a Christian, I do not see the Ten Commandments as an expres-

sion of an arbitrary or a self-seeking will. Rather, they are the revelation of

the character of the heavenly Father, an expression of His-gracious will-for'

my happiness in the created order of things. In effect, He is saying 'This is

the best and happiest way to live on Planet Earth.' "—Frank B. Holbrook,

"What God's Law Means to Me,"

Adventist Review,

January 15, 1987, p.

16.

WHAT OTHERS TEACH:

In general most Christian churches subscribe

to the Ten Commandments. If you ask Christians about each individual

commandment, as to whether they should be observed, most will agree in

the affirmative. But when the fourth commandment is reached usually the

response is that the Sabbath has been changed from the seventh day to the

first day of the week. Some denominations teach that the Ten Command-

ments were nailed to the cross, but after Pentecost all but the fourth were

reinstated for Christians to keep. Catholics and Lutherans follow the lead of

St. Augustine (354-430 A.D.) joining the first and second commandments

together and dividing the tenth. Tragically, little thought is given to the Ten

Commandments in Christendom, and few sermons are preached about the

Law of God. The theological pendulum swings between legalism and

antinomianism ("there is no law"). Adventists virtually stand alone in at-

tempting to balance God's judgment with His mercy—His law with grace.

HOW TO SHARE THIS TRUTH WITH OTHERS:

The most effective

way of teaching this truth is to make certain that through the power of the

Holy Spirit you are obeying God's law to the best of your knowledge. Then,

and only then, can you testify to the benefits of obedience to God's will.

Make certain that you have a thorough understanding of the relationship of

law and grace, faith and works, in order to avoid a legalistic approach. Obe-

dience must be taught within the framework of a love response. I obey God

because I love Him and for what He has done for me. I do not obey Him

thinking that this gives me merit towards salvation.

In addition, teach the law as a blessing. None of God's rules are arbi-

trary—there is a reason for every one of His commandments. When they are

obeyed, life and blessings result. Also show how disobedience to any of

God's laws carries with it an inherent penalty. God is not waiting to strike a

violator of His law down. The violator will suffer the penalty that is inherent

in disobedience to the commandments.

SUMMARY:

God's remnant people believe in the perpetuity of the law of

God. The law is the focal point of the great controversy between Christ and

Satan. It is as eternal as God, being an expression of His character of love.

Love to God and love to others make up the essence of the law.

—APPLICATION



Is the law precious to me and has the Holy Spirit written it on my

heart?

Do I understand that true lawkeeping is a love response to Jesus

Christ?

Do I understand that the Ten Commandments constitute God's char-

acter in words?

Do I daily pray that the Commandments will become a part of my

very being?

This Christy,.s

Give a



spital

When you give money to

the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering,

December 19, you're giving

medicine, beds and Christian care

to people living along Brazil's

Amazon river.

Help Build a Hospital

at Manaus, North

Brazil.

THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING

Adult

Lesson

God "refills Us About

the Sabbath

MEMORY TEXT: "But pray ye that your flight be not in the

winter, neither on the sabbath day" (Matt. 24:20).

SAB

CENTRAL TEACHING: "The Sabbath.

The beneficent Creator, after

the six days of Creation, rested on the seventh day and instituted the Sabbath

for all people as a memorial of Creation. The fourth commandment of God's

unchangeable law requires the observance of this seventh-day Sabbath as the

day of rest, worship, and ministry in harmony with the teaching and practice

of Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath. The Sabbath is a day of delightful commu-

nion with God and one another. It is a symbol of our redemption in Christ, a

sign of our sanctification, a token of our allegiance, and a foretaste of our

eternal future in God's kingdom. The Sabbath is God's perpetual sign of His

eternal covenant between Him and His people. Joyful observance of this

holy time from evening to evening, sunset to sunset, is a celebration of

God's creative and redemptive acts. "—Fundamental Belief No. 19.

OUTLINE:

The Institution of the Sabbath.

II.

The Sabbath in the Old Testament.

III.

Christ and the Sabbath.

IV.

The Apostles and the Sabbath.

INTRODUCTION:

How do we establish from Scripture that the seventh

day of the week is the Sabbath that the Lord wishes us to observe?

Why does He ask His believing people to keep the Sabbath day holy?

Does the observance of the Sabbath have any bearing on our spiritual lives,

or is it merely an option that God suggests because He knows that people

would become over-tired if they worked seven days a week?

Seventh-day Adventist Christians are convinced that God's last-day seal

is given to those who have entered into a special spiritual relationship with

Christ. This relationship is the motivation and the power for obedience to all

God's requirements, including Sabbath observance. In this sense, the Sab-

bath is the last-day seal of God.

What does the Bible teach about the manner in which we should observe

the Sabbath? Committed Christians want to do just what Jesus asks of them.

They choose to observe the day He specifies, in the manner He specifies.

I. THE INSTITUTION OF THE SABBATH.

What were the three distinct acts by which God created the Sabbath?

Gen 2:1-3.



At the end of Creation week, when the world, its animal kingdom, and its

two human inhabitants came forth in absolute perfection from the Creator's

hand, God brought the Sabbath into existence. The Sabbath was not un-

known prior to the giving of the law at Sinai, as many Christians believe. It

is not a uniquely Jewish institution. Two institutions—marriage and the

family and the seventh day Sabbath—date back to Creation.

God did not rest at the end of Creation week because He was weary in the

human sense. (See Isa. 40:28.) Yet he "rested, and was refreshed" (Ex.

31:17). (See also

Patriarchs and Prophets,

p. 47.)

Who was the Creator who rested on, blessed, and sanctified the Sab-

bath day? Col. 1:13-16; Heb. 1:1, 2.

If Christ the Son created all things, then He certainly created the Sabbath.

Therefore the Sabbath is a Christian institution. He did not give the Sabbath

only to the Jews as a part of a temporary ceremonial system of laws. He

instituted the Sabbath for all humanity for all time. (See

The Desire of Ages,

p. 281.)

H. THE SABBATH IN THE OLD TESTAMENT.

Was the Sabbath observed by God's people before the giving of the

law at Sinai? Gen. 26:5; Ex. 16:4, 5, 22-26.

Abraham's experience is presented in both Old and New Testaments as a

great example of righteousness by faith in Christ. (See Gen. 15:6; Rom. 4;

Gal. 3:6-14.) Yet Abraham obeyed God's laws. Sabbath observance was not

a legalistic experience for him. It was a blessing because it was an act of

faith in his Creator. (See

The Great Controversy,

453.)

The Israelites were reminded of the Sabbath

before

the giving of the Ten

Commandments at Sinai. They were commanded to gather a double portion

of manna on the sixth day in order to keep holy the seventh-day Sabbath.

The period of slavery in Egypt had interrupted the practice of their religious

observances. After the Exodus the Lord reintroduced the Sabbath. Note

carefully the words "prove" and "law" in Exodus 16:4. They clearly indi-

cate the existence of the law and the Sabbath as a test of loyalty before

Sinai—"that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no"

(Ex. 16:4).

What statement of Paul establishes that the giving of the Ten

Commandments at Sinai was not the introduction of a system of works

righteousness? Gal. 3:15-17.

The covenant given to Abraham involved righteousness and salvation by

faith. In effect the Lord told Abraham, "You believe in the Messiah to

come, and I will give you forgiveness for the past, power for the present,

and the assurance of eternal life." Paul taught that the giving of the law at

Sinai did not disannul the covenant given to Abraham. The purpose of the

Ten Commandments was, not to introduce a system of works, but to point

out sins and encourage Israel's faith in the Messiah who would atone for

them (Gal. 3:19-24). The Sabbath, which is at the very heart of the Ten

Commandments, was not part of a works system. It was a vital part of a

righteousness by faith religion.

What kind of Sabbath observance is stipulated by the fourth com-

mandment? Ex. 20:8-11.

God gave Adam and Eve the Sabbath as a day when they could enter into

closer fellowship with Him and He with them. This highest level of compan-

ionship was the supreme purpose for the creation of humanity. We were

made not merely for animal and human fellowship, but for fellowship with

God, the Eternal Father of us all.

The fourth commandment forever establishes that Creation week con-

sisted of seven 24-hour days. The Sabbath is not merely a symbol of rest.

Any day of the week could be used as a symbol of rest. The Sabbath is a sign

of a literal creation week—"for in six days the Lord made" (Ex. 20:11).

The fourth commandment gives a clear testimony as to why God com-

manded us to "remember the sabbath day." Those who honor the seventh-

day Sabbath have a bulwark against the error of the evolutionary theory,

which teaches that life has evolved over long periods of time.

In the days when Israel was a theocracy, what did the Lord command

should be done to the Sabbath breaker? Ex. 31:14; Num. 15:30-36.

The individual who broke the Sabbath "presumptuously," or "with a

high hand" (Num. 15:30, RSV), was to be cut off from Israel. Presumptu-

ous sins were those committed in a proud spirit of rebellion against the Lord.

(See Ex. 21:14, 15; Deut. 1:43; 17:12, 13; 18:22.)

In their wilderness experience, Israel had been specifically commanded

by the Lord: "Ye shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations upon the

sabbath day" (Ex. 35:3).

In direct rebellion against this command, a man gathered wood for a fire

on the Sabbath day. The Lord directed that he should be put to death.

Seventh-day Adventists are sometimes reminded that they do not put to

death Sabbath breakers. This is said to be inconsistent because Adventists

observe the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. It should be pointed out

that the death penalty was to be meted out in Israel for rebellious breaking of

any divine commandment. (Compare Num. 15:30; Deut. 13:6-10; 21:18-21;

TAU E

22:20-27.) No modern church puts to death members who are guilty of idol-

atry, immorality, disobedience to parents, or other sins of rebellion against

God.

In view of Christ's glorious love made manifest at the cross, the New

Testament makes willful disobedience extremely serious. The punishment is

eternal loss. (See Heb. 10:26-31.)

SEARCH AND LEARN: What do the following Old Testament pas-

sages teach regarding the significance of Sabbath observance?



0 Ex. 31:13, 17



Neh. 13:15-22



Isa. 56:1, 2, 6,



0 Isa. 58:13, 14



Isa. 66:22, 23



III. CHRIST AND THE SABBATH.

What did Jesus do on the Sabbath day? Luke 4:16.

By what instruction did Jesus demonstrate His wish that His follow-

ers should observe the Sabbath after His death and resurrection? Matt.

24:20.

When "the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet"

is set up (Matt. 24:15), Jesus' people are to pray that their flight from their

persecutors will not be on the Sabbath day. Jesus was referring to Dan. 8:13

and 9:27. The little-horn power of Daniel 8 represents both pagan and papal

Rome. It first set up the "abomination of desolation" (Matt. 24:15), or "the

desolating sacrilege" (RSV) when the Roman armies threatened Jerusalem

(A.D. 66-70). The context of Jesus' statement indicates that a second fulfill-

ment came in the Middle Ages. (See Matt. 24:15-29.) Because Matthew

chapter 24 is using historical events as a type of end-time events, we know

that just prior to the Second Advent "the abomination of desolation" once

more will become a threat to the religious liberty of the people of God.

The instruction of Matthew 24:20 applies as much to the end of time as it

does to the first century and the Middle Ages. Therefore, the Lord intends

His people to observe the Sabbath right down to His second advent. (See

The Desire of Ages,

pp. 630, 631;

The Great Controversy;

pp. 26, 36, 37;

Testimonies,

vol 5, pp. 464, 465.)

SEARCH AND LEARN: What do the following passages reveal regard-

ing Jesus' method of Sabbath observance?

•

Mark 2:14-28



•

Mark 3:1-6



•

Mark 7:6-9



•

John 7:21-24



•

John 9:1-16



IV. THE APOSTLES AND THE SABBATH.

What action of Christ's followers after His death establishes that the

seventh day of the week is the true Bible Sabbath? Luke 23:54-24:1, 7;

compare Mark 16:9; 1 Cor. 15:4.

Jesus died and was buried on the day of "preparation" for the Sabbath.

The next day His followers rested "according to the commandment." Jesus

rose from the dead the following day, the "first day of the week."

Paul indicates that Christ's resurrection day was "the third day." The

picture is clear. Jesus was crucified on Friday afternoon and rose on Sunday

morning. The day between was the "sabbath day according to the

commandment" (Luke 23:56). The true Bible Sabbath is the twenty-four

hour period from sundown Friday till sundown Saturday. (See also Lev.

23:32; Neh. 13:19; Mark 1:21, 32.)

Creation Friday and crucifixion Friday were new beginnings for the hu-

man race. On the first, creation was completed; on the second, re-creation of

fallen humanity was assured. The Sabbath that followed Creation Friday

was a day of rest. How appropriate that Jesus should rest in the tomb after

crucifixion Friday. His sacrificial work was complete. Redemption was pro-

vided for all who would believe. The Sabbath is a memorial of both creation

and redemption.

SEARCH AND LEARN: How many Sabbaths observed by the Apostle

Paul are recorded in the book of Acts? What does this tell us about the

attitude of the apostolic Christian church to Sabbathkeeping?

•

Acts 13:14, 15, 42-44



e Acts 16:12-15



•

Acts 17:1, 2



•

Acts 18:1, 4, 11



These Sabbath meetings took place over a period of ten years, from about

A.D. 45 to 55. Why would Luke record all these Sabbath meetings of the

apostles and not say one word about any change of the Sabbath? Surely if

there had been any inspired counsel to worship on another day, or not to

worship on any day Luke would have mentioned it.

Some Christians believe that Paul went to the synagogues on the Sabbath

day only because he could find there an audience of Jews ready to listen to

the gospel. Undoubtedly Paul did use the synagogue as a ready-made evan-

gelistic center. But he kept the Sabbath whether he went to the synagogue or

not.

In Philippi Paul and his associates kept the Sabbath "by a river side"

(Acts 16:13). They did not go there because it was a convenient place to

meet with Jews. It was a'place "where prayer was wont to be made." The

Greek may be translated: "where we thought (supposed, assumed) there

was a place of prayer."

The apostles looked for a quiet place to pray on the Sabbath day. Because

they noticed other people nearby, they took the opportunity to present the

gospel to them. The story establishes that the apostles observed the Sabbath.

The apostles honored the Sabbath because they understood its deep sig-

nificance. Hebrews 4, written less than forty years after the cross, compares

Israel with the church. (See Hebrews 4:4, 9.) Christians are urged to do what

Israel failed to do, to enter into the spiritual rest of which the seventh-day

Sabbath is the symbol and the means.

When John was a prisoner on the island of Patmos, on what day of

the week did he receive a vision? Rev. 1:10; compare Mark 2:28.

John received his vision during the last decade of the first century A.D. In

the second half of the second century some Christian writers used the Greek

word for "Lord's day" to mean the first day of the week. They did this

because Jesus rose.from the dead on the first day of the week. Certain mod-

ern scholars have, therefore, assumed that the Lord's• day on which John

received his vision must have been Sunday.

Words.and phrases often change meaning over a period of time. It is not

valid reasoning to read back a later meaning of a word or phrase into an

earlier use of that word or phrase. John's understanding of the Lord's day

must be considered in the light of his background experiences. As one of the

twelve disciples, he had heard Jesus claim that He was "Lord" of the Sab-

bath. How natural it was for John to speak of the Sabbath as the Lord's day!

SEARCH AND LEARN: How would you deduce from the passages that

follow that God's last-day seal is given only to those who keep His Sab-

bath day holy?

Rev. 7:1-3



Rev. 14:1, 4, 5, 7



Compare Rom. 4:11 with Ex. 31:13



Heb. 8:10



ILLUMINATION:

"The fourth commandment alone of all the ten con-

tains the seal of the great Lawgiver, the Creator of the heavens and the earth.

Those who obey this commandment take upon themselves His name, and all

the blessings it involves are theirs.

"—Testimonies,

vol. 6, p. 350.

ill

FURTHER STUDY AND MEDITATION:

Study the following passages

of Scripture that are sometimes used against the teaching of the Seventh-day

Sabbath. By placing these passages in their context and comparing scripture

with scripture discover their true meaning: Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:1, 2; Col.

2:14-17; Rom. 14:4-8, 13. Compare Lev. 23; Num 28, 29.

WHAT OTHERS TEACH:

History reveals that in the early Christian cen-

turies there was a gradual transference of Sabbathkeeping to Sunday obser-

vance. Even so, in every century since the time of Christ there have been

Christians who have faithfully observed the seventh-day Sabbath. For cen-

turies Sundaykeeping was rigorously promoted by law and example. This

rigid observance has been steadily eroding since the mid-nineteenth century.

For all practical purposes, Sunday observance today is limited to church

attendance. Orthodox Jews strictly observe the seventh-day Sabbath. Al-

though several smaller Christian groups teach obedience to the fourth com-

mandment, the Seventh-day Adventist Church is the largest denomination in

the world that does so.

HOW TO SHARE THIS TRUTH WITH OTHERS:

If you are experi-

encing the Sabbath as a day of delight your testimony to others will be conta-

gious. Invite others to enjoy the Sabbath blessing by going to church with

you. Show those with whom you are studying how the Sabbath focuses on

the Lord's creative and redemptive power. Explain that the very heart of the

Sabbath is resting in His love and work—not yours. Explain that when the

evolutionary theory came into existence during the nineteenth century, God

raised up the Advent movement to call people's attention to His creative

work. (See Revelation 14, the three angels' messages.)

SUMMARY:

The Sabbath as understood by Seventh-day Adventists was

established by Christ at Creation. It is, therefore, a Christian institution. The

Sabbath was kept from Creation to Sinai. It was not intended only for Jews,

but for humanity in general. Jesus and the apostles kept the Sabbath, and

Jesus instructed His followers to observe it after His death. He taught that

the Sabbath should be kept until His second advent. The book of Revelation

presents Sabbath keeping as a vital aspect of the spiritual experience of those

who receive the end-time seal of God.

—APPLICATION

Do I believe that God expects me to observe His seventh-day Sab-

bath as an evidence of my faith in Jesus?

Am I willing to keep the Sabbath day holy in the manner that is

taught in Scripture?

Am I doing all I can to share the blessings of the Sabbath with oth-

ers?

Adult Lesson



Nove



God Tells Us About

Stewardship

MEMORY TEXT: "Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the

Lord, apd not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive

the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ" (Col.

3:23, 24).

SAB

CENTRAL TEACHING: "Stewardship.

We are God's stewards, en-

trusted by Him with time and opportunities, abilities and possessions, and

the blessings of the earth and its resources. We are responsible to Him for

their proper use. We acknowledge God's ownership by faithful service to

Him and our fellow men, and by returning tithes and giving offerings for the

proclamation of His gospel and the support and growth of His church. Stew-

ardship is a privilege given to us by God for nurture in love and the victory

over selfishness and covetousness. The steward rejoices in the blessings that

come to others as a result of his faithfulness."—Fundamental Belief

No. 20.

OUTLINE:

I. Stewardship Recognizes Gods Ownership.

H. Stewardship Is a Total Life Commitment.

III.

Stewardship Is a Privilege.

IV.

Stewardship Blesses the Faithful Steward.

Stewardship Blesses Others.

INTRODUCTION:

Seventeen years after the Babylonian captivity of the

Jews had ended by a decree issued by Cyrus that they could return to Jerusa-

lem and rebuild the house of God, the Jews were discouraged. Samaritan

opposition to the building of the Temple had become fierce. Some of the

Jews were wondering whether they had interpreted the 70-year prophecy

correctly—perhaps it was not time to rebuild yet. Yet it "was a time of

wonderful opportunity for the Jews. The highest agencies of heaven were

working on the hearts of kings [see Daniel 101, and it was for the people of

God to labor with the utmost activity to carry out the decree of Cyrus. . . .

But in the day of God's power many proved

unwilling."—Prophets and

Kings,

p. 572.

When they neglected the work on the temple and turned instead to build-

ing their own homes, God challenged them: "Is it time for you yourselves to

be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains in ruins?" (Hag-

gai 1:4, NIV).

Twice in the first chapter of Haggai God challenged the people to con-

sider their ways—to stop and take a look at what was happening because of

their neglect. "Ye have sown much, and bring in little. . . . he that earneth

wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes. . . . Ye looked for much,

and lo, it came to little; and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it"

(Haggai 1:6-9).

Why? Because in a time of great urgency for the work of the Lord they

were caught up in a Laodicean sleeping sickness—even being unaware of

their neglect. What about us today as individuals and as a church? Are we so

caught up in our own priorities that we neglect God's?

He challenges us to consider our ways. Nothing other than total commit-

ment to the Lord and His cause is worthy of these last moments of time.

I. STEWARDSHIP RECOGNIZES GOD'S OWNERSHIP.

God has given us everything that love could provide. His most loving gift

is the power of choice. We alone decide how we will manage the gifts that

love has given. In order to do so we must recognize that all we have and are

comes from Him.

What makes God owner of all that we have? Gen. 1:26-28; Col. 1:15-

17.

In what pointed language does God describe His ownership of the

world? Psalm 50:10-12.

What did David indicate about the ownership of all he and his people

had and about offerings to God? 1 Chron. 29:14.

ILLUMINATION:

"Men whom God has blessed with His bounties clasp

their arms about their earthly treasure and make these bounties and bless-

ings, which God has graciously given them, a curse by filling their hearts

with selfishness and distrust of Him. They accept the goods lent them, yet

claim them as their own, forgetting that the Master has any claim upon

them, and refusing to yield to Him even the interest that He demands. . . .

"The earth is the Lord's, and all the treasure it contains. . . . He has en-

trusted His treasure to stewards, that with them they may advance His cause

and glorify His

name."—Testimonies,

vol. 2, p. 652.

What God seeks in return for all that He has given us is total commitment

to Him. God's people in Hosea's day repudiated the Owner-manager con-

cept. They did not acknowledge that their material blessings came from the

Lord. (See Hosea 2:8.) The committed Christian will accept the fact that

God is the owner of everything and that His children are the managers of

these gifts. (see Matt. 6:25-34.) There is no reason to worry about material

things as long as we are faithful managers. True peace of mind is the fruitage

of understanding and practicing the principles of this Owner-manager rela-

tionship.

IL STEWARDSHIP IS A TOTAL LIFE COMMITMENT.

What does Paul term our commitment to God? Why is it

"reasonable?" Rom. 12:1-3.

In the fullest sense stewardship can be defined as the complete and unre-

served giving of ourselves to Jesus Christ. Our responsibility to God and to

our fellow human beings does not depend on the quantity or quality of our

material possessions. Our stewardship is based on two facts brought out in

the texts that follow. Study the texts, then list what the basis is for our stew-

ardship:

0 Isa. 44:24



0 1 Cor. 6:20

We cannot separate ourselves legitimately from God's plans for carrying

out His work of salvation and restoration on earth. There is a sense in which

He needs us. Most certainly we need the privilege of being used by Him.

What basic principle is outlined in 1 Corinthians 10:31?

What is the origin of true liberty? How do our gifts to God reveal our

love for Him? 2 Cor. 8:1-5.

If the church members in Macedonia had withheld their material and fi-

nancial resources, that would have been proof that they had not previously

given themselves fully to God.

What attitudes characterized the Macedonian members when they

gave to the glory of God?

"The troubles they have been through have tried them hard, yet in all this

they have been so

(1)

exuberantly happy that from the depth of their poverty they have

shown themselves

(2)

lavishly open-handed.

(3)

Going to the limit of their resources, as I can testify, and even beyond

that limit, they

(4)

begged us most insistently, and on their own initiative, to be allowed

to share in this generous service to their fellow-Christians" (2 Cor. 8:2-4,

NEB).

ILLUMINATION:

"Nearly all the Macedonian believers were poor in this

world's goods, but their hearts were overflowing with love for God and His

truth, and they gladly gave for the support of the gospel. When general

collections were taken up in the Gentile churches for the relief of the Jewish

believers, the liberality of the converts in Macedonia was held up as an

example to other churches. . . .

"The willingness to sacrifice on the part of the Macedonian believers

came as a result of wholehearted consecration. . . . It was not necessary to

urge them to give; rather, they rejoiced in the privilege of denying them-

selves even of necessary things in order to supply the needs of others. When

the apostle would have restrained them, they importuned him to accept their

offering. In their simplicity and integrity, and in their love for their brethren,

they gladly denied self, and thus abounded in the fruit of benevolence.

"—

The Acts of the Apostles,

pp. 343, 344.

To whose example did Paul refer as being the motivating factor in the

sacrificial spirit of the Macedonians? 2 Cor 8:9.

The basis of all stewardship is the life and death of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Stewardship is utter selflessness. It is giving oneself completely to God, as

well as giving service to one's fellow human beings. When we see the sim-

ple life that Jesus lived and the horrible death that He died, how can we

withhold that which He asks of us? Christ gave not merely what He had; He

gave Himself. This is stewardship of the highest order.

III. STEWARDSHIP IS A PRIVILEGE.

If we love the Lord with our entire heart, mind, soul, and strength we will

consider it a privilege to demonstrate our love in many practical ways that

honor and please Him.

What sort of things are more important to God than our tithes and

offerings? Matt. 23:23.

Stewardship of total life commitment consists of much more than finan-

cial giving. In fact, material gifts make up only a small part of what those

who choose to follow God are privileged to bring to Him. But what we do

with the means He has provided us becomes a good indication of whether we

are committed fully to Him.

ILLUSTRATION:

If you place before you all your check stubs, cancelled

checks, charge accounts, and receipts, you see at a glance what the direction

of your life has been. As you survey all the material possessions of which

you have made use—clothes, lands, homes, cars, bank accounts, stock cer-

tificates, food consumed, expenditure on entertainment, plus the tithes and

offerings you have given—you can say, "There am I. That is the record of

my life." Then ask yourself the question "Have I neglected the more impor-

tant matters—justice, mercy, and faithfulness?"

WED

Ell

SEARCH AND LEARN: Study the two contrasting stories that follow.

In the space provided, indicate how they demonstrate the difference

between total conunitment and halfhearted service:

0 Acts 4:32-5:11—Ananias and Sapphira



0 Mark 12:41-44 —The widow's mite



THINK IT THROUGH: When Jesus said "Where your treasure is,

there will your heart be also" (Matt. 6:21), did He mean that our hearts

follow where we put our treasure or that our treasure follows where we

put our hearts?

One specific purpose for God's plan of stewardship is to develop greater

faith and stronger Christian characters on our part. But we must not over-

look the other side of the treasure/heart equation. Where our hearts are,

there our treasures naturally will follow. Ananias and Sapphira held back

part of their pledge because their hearts were not committed completely to

Christ and they did not appreciate the tremendous privilege that was theirs in

giving to Him and His cause. "It is only when Christian motives are fully

acknowledged, and the conscience is awake to duty, when divine light

makes impressions upon the heart and character, that selfishness is over-

come, and the mind of Christ is exemplified. The Holy Spirit, working upon

human hearts and characters, will expel all tendency to covetousness, to

deceptive dealing.

"—Counsels on Stewardship,

p. 313.

IV. STEWARDHIP BLESSES THE FAITHFUL STEWARD.

What blessing does God pronounce upon the faithful steward? Matt.

25:21.

Not only do those who are faithful stewards reap what they have sown,

they actually receive from the Master's hands much more than they deserve.

(See John 10:10.)

How abundant will be God's blessing as we return to Him tithes and

offerings? Mal. 3:10-12.

What use is to be made of the tithe? Lev. 27:30; Num. 18:21; Deut.

12:5, 6; 1 Cor. 9:13, 14.

See also

Testimonies,

vol. 9, pp. 247-250.

What is the result of commitment to God's will and way? 2 Cor. 9:

6-8.

Our giving demonstrates the extent and completeness of our commitment.

It embraces all areas of our lives. The result of such giving is that grace

abounds in and toward the giver. We reap what we sow.

In 2 Corinthians 9:7, the Greek word for "cheerful" is

hilaros

from

which is derived our English word "hilarious." It is interesting to note how

solemn people's faces are when the offering plate passes by. There should

be an enthusiastic, contagious, joyfulness as we give to God not only our

funds but also our entire beings.

How much of our means and of ourselves does God expect us to give?

Deut. 16:17.

Individuals can only give as God enables them to give, whether it be time,

talents, money, or knowledge. Sharing the gospel is sharing what we are

able to share. Our spiritual experience and our relationship with God is what

we actually have to share. We use the "gifts" of life in the process of shar-

ing. Doing so not only blesses the recipients but benefits those who give. As

we learn to love by sharing, our characters are being molded in the image of

the great Giver.

Financial gifts are needed urgently in the cause of God. However, a living

experience and a personal relationship with God are our most urgent needs.

Adequate funding is not and never has been the basic problem that has hin-

dered in the development of God's work through the centuries. The great

need has been the development of a truly spiritual experience in the recipi-

ents of God's gift of life.

Time stewards of life understand by experience the joy of Jesus that is

expressed in Hebrews 12:2, "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of

our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despis-

ing the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Giving brings joy as we enter into full, complete, and happy partnership

with Jesus.

V. STEWARDSHIP BLESSES OTHERS.

What is the significance of Christ's fifth beatitude in Matthew 5:7?

More than the spirit of mercy or forgiveness is intended here. When

Christ dwells in our hearts fully, they overflow with His benevolence.

SEARCH AND LEARN: What can we learn from the examples of giv-

ing in the early church that are recorded in the passages that follow?

Rom. 15:26, 27



1 Cor. 9:9-14



ra FURTHER STUDY AND MEDITATION:

Read

Counsels on Steward-

ship,

chapters 1-6, pp. 13-28, and chapters 65-68, pages 339-350.

WHAT OTHERS TEACH:

Few other denominations have a stewardship

program that approximates that of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The

Adventist plan for returning tithes and offerings follows the principles out-

lined in Scripture. Some churches prefer modern money-raising techniques

to collect the means they need. To persuade the people to give, they use

television and pulpit appeals, blanket mailings, offering of prizes, bingo

gambling, lotteries, begging, cajoling, and even threatening. Thank God for

His spiritual plan of motivating the giver on the basis of love for the Lord,

who sacrificed all for us.

HOW TO SHARE THIS TRUTH WITH OTHERS:

Your personal testi-

mony of how God has blessed you mentally, physically, financially, and

spiritually through a total life commitment stewardship program is the best

way to help others understand this beautiful truth. Always present this sub-

ject from the angle of-blessings received because of joyful obedience. For

instance, on the question of tithing, show how nine tenths of a person's

income goes much farther with God's blessing than ten tenths without it.

Show the truth of this fact by using Haggai 1:5-11. Always remember to

pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to guide in what you say as you share

your faith.

SUMMARY:

Seventh-day Adventists understand stewardship as our re-

sponse to receiving all that we have from God. Only God is self-existent.

The fact that He created us means that we owe life itself to Him. He gave it

and He maintains it. God has given us time in which to work for Him and

others. He has given us bodies to care for so that we might be the greatest

possible blessing to the world. He has given us money and material bless-

ings for use in His service. As we consider God as the real owner of all these

gifts and ourselves as His managers, we are moved to commit ourselves

totally to Him. Stewardship then becomes a great blessing.

—APPLICATION

Have I experienced the peace that results from acknowledging God's

ownership of all I possess?

Do I see myself as the manager of God's gifts?

o Do I trust God enough to surrender my time, talents, treasure, and

body temple for His service and the blessing of my fellow human

beings?

Adult

Lesson

fill



God Tens Us About

Christian Behavior

MEMORY TEXT: "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to

kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that

they might have it more abundantly" (John 10:10).

SAB

1=4

CENTRAL TEACHING: "Christian Behavior.

We are called to be a

godly people who think, feel, and act in harmony with the principles of

heaven. For the Spirit to recreate in us the character of our Lord we involve

ourselves only in those things which will produce Christlike purity, health,

and joy in our lives. This means that our amusement and entertainment

should meet the highest standards of Christian taste and beauty. While rec-

ognizing cultural differences, our dress is to be simple, modest, and neat,

befitting those whose true beauty does not consist of outward adornment but

in the imperishable ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit. It also means that

because our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit, we are to care for

them intelligently. Along with adequate exercise and rest, we are to adopt

the most healthful diet possible and abstain from the unclean foods identi-

fied in the Scriptures. Since alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and the irrespon-

sible use of drugs and narcotics are harmful to our bodies, we are to abstain

from them as well. Instead, we are to engage in whatever brings our

thoughts and bodies into the discipline of Christ, who desires our whole-

someness, joy, and goodness."—Fundamental Belief No. 21.

OUTLINE:

The More Abundant Life.

II.

The Christian's Health.

III.

Dress and Adornment.

IV.

Entertainment That Christ Approves.

The Life of Jesus Is Our Example.

INTRODUCTION:

Several years ago an article appeared in a popular

evangelical magazine enumerating practices that seemed to erect a wall of

separation between Adventists and other Christians. Why does our church

advocate a life-style that includes healthful practices? Why do we advocate a

modest dress code and beneficial types of amusement and recreation? Are

we attempting to earn our way to heaven? Are we trying to be different for

the sake of difference? Or is Christian behavior related to the gospel?

First, we must understand that the cross reveals the utter uselessness of

trying to earn merit through a particular life-style. The practice of high

standards related to Christian behavior cannot earn credit toward salvation.

Standards do not save; they demonstrate the saving presence of Christ in the

heart.

Second, trying to be different in the way we look, act, and think just for

the sake of being different from the world is irrational. There are reasons for

every standard that the church upholds. These reasons focus on Jesus, who

was different, not in order to be different—but to make a difference in the

lives of His followers. That difference is spelled out in John 10:10, our

memory text. Above everything else, Jesus desires for His followers the

more abundant life experience.

A key point in the gospel is restoration. Gospel restoration effects us men-

tally, physically, spiritually, and socially. The committed Christian does not

ask, "Why is this or that wrong?" He asks, "What would my Lord have me

to do and why?" If this attitude means forsaking a cherished practice or

habit, the Christian knows it is for his or her best good. A person's relation-

ship with Christ is more important than anything in life.

The Adventist Church does not provide detailed rules regarding conduct.

The church presents the basic principles of the Bible and asks church mem-

bers to live by them for their own good and for the honor and integrity of the

church—the body of Christ. The details are left to individual conscience

guided by the Holy Spirit.

I. THE MORE ABUNDANT LIFE.

How did Moses set before Israel the more abundant life concept?

Deut. 30:11-16; 28:1, 2.

Whose ownership are we urged to acknowledge? What is the basis of

this ownership? 1 Cor. 6:19, 20; 3:16, 17.

We all know by experience that rules listed in an operation manual for

various types of equipment—automobiles, furnaces, microwaves, et

cetera—are designed to give the owner the best possible service. So with

life. God, the Owner and Proprietor, desires our best good. He alone knows

what will provide us the maximum amount of happiness. Why do some

people rebel against standards of dress, diet, and recreation? (See Rom. 8:

6-8.)

ILLUMINATION:

"To set the mind on the things of the Spirit, and to have

the thoughts and desires governed solely by the Spirit of God, result in that

healthful, life-giving harmony of all the functions of the soul that is a sure

pledge and foretaste of the life to come."—SDA

Bible Commentary,

vol. 6,

p. 563. (See also Eph. 1:13, 14.) The presence of the Holy Spirit brings

love, joy, and peace into the life. (See Gal. 5:22.) The Spirit within is the

kingdom of God within. The trusting Christian enjoys "righteousness, and

peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost" (Rom. 14:17).

What has Christ done for us that gives Him the right to direct our

way of life? Col. 1:14, 16, 17; 1 Peter 1:15-19; Titus 2:14.

ILLUMINATION:

"My heart aches as I am shown how many there are

who make self their idol. Christ has paid the redemption price for them. To

Him belongs the service of all their powers. But their hearts are filled with

self-love, and the desire for self-adorning. They give no thought to the

words, 'Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up

his cross, and follow me' (Mark 8:34). Self-gratification is hiding Christ

from their view. They have no desire to walk before God in meekness and

lowliness. They are not looking to Jesus. They are not praying that they may

be changed into His

likeness."—Selected Messages, vol.

1, p. 80.

SEARCH AND LEARN: What do the following passages indicate re-

garding the level of consecration that the Lord seeks of us?

Rom. 121



1 Thess. 5:23



Cor. 10:31



II. THE CHRISTIAN'S HEALTH.

Because God cares for us, he has given us information for the mainte-

nance of our bodies. In Scripture there are more than one thousand texts that

deal with a person's physical health. In addition, God has graciously given

us specific details as to the best way to care for our bodies. Books such as

The Ministry of Healing, Counsels on Health,

and

Counsels on Diets and

Foods

are indispensable to those who really seek to know God's will in these

matters.

SEARCH AND LEARN: God has not left us in doubt about how He

wants us to treat our bodies. What specific instruction do you find in the

following passages?

•

Gen. 1:29, 30; 3:18



•

Isa. 65:3, 4; 66:15-17



•

Prov. 20:1; 23:29-32



Lev. 11:1-20



Health is not merely the absence of a disease. Health is not a product, but

a process. A seemingly healthy person who is violating one of nature's laws

is not really healthy. Sooner or later disease will develop. A truly healthy

condition is found only in those who, by the grace of God, faithfully, cheer-

fully, and consistently practice

all

the laws of health.

ILLUMINATION:

"Pure air, sunlight, abstemiousness, rest, exercise,

proper diet, the use of water, trust in divine power—these are the true reme-

dies. Every person should have a knowledge of nature's remedial agencies

and how to apply them. It is essential both to understand the principles in

volved in the treatment of the sick and to have a practical training that will

enable one rightly to use this knowledge."—The

Ministry of Healing,

127.

There are many nonsmokers who do not get proper exercise. God wants

us to be balanced. Many who would never think of smoking or drinking

alcohol are grossly overweight because they eat enormous quantities of

food. They are violating the laws of health, driving away the Holy Spirit,

and sowing seeds of future illness. The original diet given man by God

consisted of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and grains. (See Gen. 1:29.) Our first

parents were vegetarians. Such a diet contains all the nutrients necessary for

health.

THINK IT THROUGH: Why does the Seventh-day Adventist Church

recommend a vegetarian diet to its members? What are the disadvan-

tages of a flesh food diet?

ILLUMINATION:

"There needs to be presented to all students and physi-

cians, and by them to others, that the whole animal creation is more or less

diseased. Diseased meat is not rare, but common. Every phase of disease is

brought into the human system through subsisting upon the flesh of dead

animals. The feebleness and weakness in consequence of a change from a

meat diet will soon be overcome, and physicians ought to understand that

they should not make the stimulus of meat eating essential for health and

strength. All who leave it alone intelligently, after becoming accustomed to

the change, will have health of sinews and

muscles."—Counsels on Diet

and Foods,

p. 292.

The cholesterol content of flesh foods is very high. Cholesterol is one of

the main causes of arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) that produces

heart disease.

THINK IT THROUGH: Why is the use of alcohol, tobacco, and the

misuse of other drugs ruled out for the Christian?

Alcohol causes loss of mental and physical control. It is one of the

main causes of tragedy on the highways in most countries on earth today. It

is estimated that more than 10 percent of all admissions to public mental

institutions are the result of chronic alcoholism. Alcohol damages the high-

est centers of the brain; those concerned with behavior, speech, and mem-

ory. Concentrated doses damage the nervous system.

The dangers of smoking to health have been heavily documented in

recent years. Lung cancer, pulmonary emphysema, and heart disease are

very common among smokers. As early as 1875 Ellen G. White wrote:

"Tobacco is a slow, insidious poison, and its effects are more difficult to

cleanse from the system than those of

liquor."—Temperance,

p. 55.

Misuse of drugs is condemned in the Bible. The "sorcerers" (Rev.

21:8; 22:15; Greek

pharmakoi) are "mixers

of poisons," or "poisoners."

Such people in ancient times were often involved in occult practices. At the

coming of Jesus people who misuse drugs will be classed among murderers,

adulterers, and idolaters. Not only the more potent drugs but also those

contained in tea and coffee are harmful to health.

6.11

What does trust in God do for our health? Psalm 42:11.

ILLUMINATION:

"When temptations assail you, when care, perplexity,

and darkness seem to surround your soul, look to the place you last saw the

light. Rest in Christ's love and under His protecting care. When sin

struggles for mastery in the heart, when guilt oppresses the soul and burdens

the conscience, when unbelief clouds the mind, remember that Christ's

grace is sufficient to subdue sin and banish the darkness. . . . Nothing tends

more to promote health of body and of soul than does the spirit of gratitude

and praise. It is a positive duty to resist melancholy, discontented thoughts

and feelings—as much a duty as it is to pray.

"—The Ministry of Healing,

pp. 250, 251.

III. DRESS AND ADORNMENT.

SEEK AND FIND: What principles designed to direct the way we dress

are spelled out in the Bible?

•

2 Cor. 3:18



•

1 Tim. 2:9, 10



•

1 Peter 3:3-5



God wants the character of each believer "to be conformed to the image

of his Son" (Rom. 8:29). The Holy Spirit brings the Christian progressively

nearer to the image of Christ (2 Cor. 3:18). If Christ is living out His life

through the individual (Gal. 2:20), then the pattern of dress and conduct that

Christ respects will be followed.

What is that pattern? Although women are mentioned in Scripture when

dress is being discussed, the counsel is equally applicable to men. The

modes of dress that the Bible condemns are: (1) braided hair; (2) wearing of

gold; (3) wearing of pearls; (4) costly attire. (See 1 Tim. 2:9, 10.) In con-

text, it is obvious that Paul is referring to extravagant hairdos and clothes.

Obviously having hair disorderly and unkempt is just as likely to attract

attention to oneself and so to break the Bible principle.

The mode of dress that the inspired the apostle Paul approves will be: (1)

respectable; (2) modest; (3) moderate, showing good judgment and self-

control; (4) such as reveals reverence for God; (5) such as demonstrates a

pure, humble heart.

The secret of dressing properly is found in Philippians 2:5 and Hebrews

12:2. If we have the mind of Christ, focusing our eyes on Him rather than on

self, then the dress, makeup, jewelry problem will certainly disappear. The

Scriptures distinguish clearly between the fashions of the world and those

that honor God. (See Rev. 12:1; 17:4, 5.) The description of the woman who

represents the true church includes modesty, purity, and beauty. By con-

trast, the woman representing Babylon is extravagantly adorned. Those who

have a relationship with Christ can easily detect the difference.

WED

IV. ENTERTAINMENT THAT CHRIST APPROVES.

Mil

How important are our thoughts in God's sight? 2 Cor. 10:4, 5; Phil.

4:8.

What effect do our thoughts have on our words and actions? Prov.

23:7; 15:26; 24:8, 9.

What will the believer do when he sees evil? What promise is given to

such a person? Isa. 33:15-17.

THINK IT THROUGH: How would you apply the above principles to

such forms of enjoyment as television watching, movie and theater go-

ing, dancing, and gambling? (See also 1 Tim. 6:6-11;

Prov.

28:20; Jer.

17:10, 11; Matt. 6:19-24; 1 John 2:15-17; Col. 3:1- 3.)

A person's control center is his mind. Our mind receptors must be kept

keen and clean. The major purpose for the Christian health program is to

keep the mind alert to the wiles of Satan and strong to resist him. The mind

is to be the dwelling place of the Spirit of Christ.

The nondrug-taking, nonalcohol-drinking, nonsmoking vegetarian who

exercises and rests well is just as vulnerable as those who do not follow his

life-style if his television viewing is out of control. Television is one of

Satan's most deadly weapons against Christians today. Moral and ethical

values are progressively broken down by indiscriminate watching of pro-

grams filled with violence, immorality, and dishonesty.

Tip

V. THE LIFE OF JESUS IS OUR EXAMPLE.

What kind of person was Jesus? To what extent did personal pride

and covetousness motivate His behavior? Matt. 11:29; Phil. 2:5-8.

How can we be like Jesus? 2 Peter 1:3, 4; Rom. 16:25; 1 Peter 2:21.

There was no pride, impurity, or covetousness in Jesus. Riches meant

nothing to Him. Personal adornment, dancing, unholy entertainment, gam-

bling, and unhealthful practices were totally excluded from His life. The

devil could not overcome Him with these or any other temptations. Christ

was possessed by one all-consuming purpose, the salvation of lost human-

ity. And He invites us to join Him in this great task.

ILLUMINATION:

"Christians must be like Christ. They should have the

same spirit, exert the same influence, and have the same moral excellence

that He possessed. The idolatrous and corrupt in heart must repent and turn

to God. Those who are proud and self-righteous must abase self and become

penitent and meek and lowly in heart. The worldly-minded must have the

tendrils of the heart removed from the rubbish of the world, around which

they are clinging, and entwined about God; they must become spiritually

minded."—Testimonies,

vol. 5, pp. 249, 250.

FURTHER STUDY AND MEDITATION:

Read

Counsels on Health,

pages 19-25;

Testimonies,

vol. 4, pages 628-648, 652, 653.

WHAT OTHERS TEACH:

A few score years ago many Protestant

churches had standards regarding diet and drink similar to those of Seventh-

day Adventists today. Gradually their standards have slipped. Some de-

nominations have a partial message of health reform. God has greatly

blessed Adventists in giving them a total life concept. Because others are

now moving toward this view of life, we have an excellent opportunity for

witnessing.

HOW TO SHARE THIS TRUTH WITH OTHERS:

Healthful living is

easier to share than almost any other doctrine. Health is one of the most

popular topics of conversation, especially among adults. Giving to our

neighbors our health journal

Vibrant Life

is a fine way to strike up a friend-

ship. Sharing a loaf of fresh-baked bread or inviting friends to eat in your

home gives opportunity to share health concepts. After friendships are

formed, other doctrines can gradually be introduced. Your new friends can

then be invited to attend a worship service. When people see the validity of

our health principles our other doctrines have greater credence.

SUMMARY:

Seventh-day Adventists are convinced that the power of the

indwelling Christ enables the believer to live in harmony with Bible princi-

ples in regard to health, dress, and entertainment. Correct behavior does not

earn our salvation; it is the result of the saving power of Jesus in the heart of

every committed Christian. While evil practices are excluded from the life,

the habits and practices that our Lord respects are fostered and cherished.

— APPLICATION

•

Do I believe that, by Jesus' grace, it is possible for me to be a reflec-

tor of His character?

•

Am I willing to turn away from everything that Christ rejects, and

accept the manner of life that His Word teaches to be right?

•

Am I committed to tactfully helping others draw nearer to Jesus in

their manner of life?

Adult

Lesson

God TellEls Us About

Hap y homes

MEMORY TEXT: "My little children, let us not love in word,

neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth" (1 John 3:18).

CENTRAL TEACHING: "Marriage

was divinely established in Eden

and affirmed by Jesus to be a lifelong union between a man and a woman in

loving companionship. For the Christian a marriage commitment is to God

as well as to the spouse, and should be entered into only between partners

who share a common faith. Mutual love, honor, respect, and responsibility

are the fabric of this relationship, which is to reflect the love, sanctity, close-

ness, and permanence of the relationship between Christ and His church.

Regarding divorce, Jesus taught that the person who divorces a spouse, ex-

cept for fornication, and marries another, commits adultery. Although some

family relationships may fall short of the ideal, marriage partners who fully

commit themselves to each other in Christ may achieve loving unity through

the guidance of the Spirit and the nurture of the church. God blesses the

family and intends that its members shall assist each other toward complete

maturity. Parents are to bring their children to love and obey the Lord. By

their example and their words they are to teach them that Christ is a loving

disciplinarian, ever tender and caring, who wants them to become members

of His body, the family of God. Increasing family closeness is one of the

earmarks of the final gospel message. "— Fundamental Belief, No. 22.

OUTLINE:

How to Have a Happy Family.

II.

Marriage Established by God.

III.

A Lifelong Union.

IV.

Parents and Children.

Increasing Family Closeness.

INTRODUCTION:

Aspirin does not cure headaches. It merely treats the

symptoms. The person who is sick may no longer feel the headache, but the

cause still is there. A tragically large number of homes and families are

unhappy ones. For that reason, much literature has been produced that is

intended to help improve family relationships. But most of this literature

treats the symptoms rather than the disease. We will not find long-lasting

cures for home problems until we get down to the basic cause of all such

problems—selfishness and sin. Only the Great Physician has the miracle

cure for human unhappiness. Happy homes depend on Christ dwelling in

our hearts and homes.

We begin this lesson with the happy family rather than the institution of

marriage, because the principles shared in this lesson have a broad applica-

SAB

Lion. All of us, whether married or single, are members of a family of one

kind or another. All of us need Christ's help in order to improve our relation-

ships. Unhappy homes, marital difficulties, the so-called generation gap,

rebellious children, child abuse, family violence, bigotry, and hate are uni-

versal problems that are rooted in our sinful, human nature. They have only

one cure—the power of Christ to overcome evil in us and to help mend

fragmented relationships. In Christ also we can find relief from such related

problems as loneliness, stress, anger, and insensitivity.

A happy, healthy, well-functioning family provides in turn a climate that

fosters

a better relationship with our Lord and a stronger witness to the com-

munity around us. Failure in family living and the inability to live up to our

expectations is the source of much guilt. In this lesson, let us focus upon

ways to bring the good news of the gospel to bear on the many facets of life

in our homes.

I. HOW TO HAVE A HAPPY FAMILY.

As the "Prince of Peace" (Isa. 9:6), Jesus brings peace to,all who commit

themselves to Him. Jesus never needlessly wounded anyone. The Lord

looked upon His disciples and followers as His family. (See Matt. 12:50;

John 15:15.) Notice how carefully He treated Judas and tried to win His

affection. Yet in John 13:1 we read that Jesus, "having loved his own which

were in the world, he loved them unto the end."

When we follow His example the peace He promised His disciples in

John 14:27 will characterize our relationships and make them happy ones.

Notice specifically the counsel the apostle gives husbands and wives in

1 Peter 3:7. What does Peter set forth as the ideal in Christian relation-

ships? Verses 8-11.

ILLUMINATION:

"Too may cares and burdens are brought into our fam-

ilies, and too little of natural simplicity and peace and happiness is cher-

ished. There should be less care for what the outside world will say and

more thoughtful attention to members of the family circle. There should be

less display and affectation of worldly politeness, and much more tender-

ness and love, cheerfulness and Christian courtesy, among the members of

the household. Many need to learn how to make home attractive, a place of

enjoyment. Thankful hearts and kind looks are more valuable than wealth or

luxury, and contentment with simple things will make home happy if love

be there.

"—The Adventist Home,

p. 108.

How broadly can the fifth commandment be applied to family and

home life? What does the word

honor

mean? Ex. 20:12.

In what way are we responsible for the happiness and well-being of

other members of our church family? James 1:27.

In the same way that the spokes of the wheel come closer to one another

as they approach the hub, our church and family relationships will come

closer together as we come closer to Christ as the center of our lives.

II. MARRIAGE ESTABLISHED BY GOD.

When God brought the animals to Adam for naming, Adam soon discov-

ered that they came in pairs, yet he was alone. Because of Adam's need for

companionship, God created Eve. (See Gen. 2:18.) When Adam saw her,

he recognized that she would meet his needs and he felt a deep responsibility

to meet hers. The first marriage, celebrated by God in Eden, was to be a

model for marriages in succeeding generations.

How did Christ honor the institution of marriage when He lived on

earth? John 2:1-11.

Jesus "gave no license to dissipation, and no shadow of worldly levity

marred His conduct; yet He found pleasure in scenes of innocent happiness,

and by His presence sanctioned the social gathering. A Jewish marriage was

an impressive occasion, and its joy was not displeasing to the Son of man.

By attending this feast, Jesus honored marriage as a divine institution."—

The Desire of Ages,

p. 151.

THINK IT THROUGH: In the light of the significance of the new wine

as the presentation of the gospel in Mark 2:22, how does this new wine

symbol relate to the place of the gospel in the marriage relationship?

ILLUMINATION:

"Like every other one of God's good gifts entrusted to

the keeping of humanity, marriage has been perverted by sin; but it is the

purpose of the gospel to restore its purity and beauty.

"—Thoughts From the

Mount of Blessing,

p. 64.

What restriction did God place on marriage in order to preserve the

sanctity of the home? 2 Cor. 6:14.

How did God's plan provide for equality in husband-wife relation-

ship while maintaining leadership and responsibility? Eph. 5:21-33.

In Ephesians 5 we find the husband-wife relationship being compared to

that of Christ to His church, which places marriage on a solid, Christ-cen-

tered foundation. When we understand fully what this chapter is saying we

discover a concept of marriage that seems to be largely lost in our time. If

Paul's counsel were heeded divorce virtually would be eliminated. Even

young Christian couples who have the best intentions in the world often

view marriage as a private transaction between themselves. Their center of

focus is on the great love they have for each other.

However, if marriage is to be successful it must focus on another—Jesus.

This most intimate of personal relationships proclaims to its participants the

mystery of the gospel. It involves a love that is greater than all human

love—a love that could not be understood until the Son of God gave His life

for us on the cross.

III. A LIFELONG UNION.

When Paul compares the husband-wife relationship to that of Christ and

the church, he establishes a model that indicates that the relationship is to

last for the rest of the partners' lives. The peace and joy of heaven enables

those united in Christ to weather the storms and trials of life. They develop a

love that is evident to all. It does not need to be advertised. God's covenant

love knits together what sin separates. (See Col. 2:2.) The everlasting cov-

enant, with the cross of Christ at its center, helps bind men and women

closer to each other in the marriage union. Even when spouses become

alienated the cross of Christ can break down the hostility that the enemy has

built up. (See Eph. 2:13, 14.)

ILLUSTRATION:

Children can sense whether mother and father love each

other. While one father was on a temporary assignment in an area far from

home, he and his family lived in a small hotel room. Owing to lack of play

space in the room, his little girl was playing "house" in the hotel lobby.

One of the other guests in the hotel said to the little girl, "It's a shame that

you don't have a home of your own to play in." Quick as a wink the girl

responded, "Oh, we

have a home. We just don't have a house to put it in

here." She recognized the love that made a home out of a small hotel room.

SEARCH AND LEARN: Carefully study the passages that follow, then

write a statement that summarizes Christ's position on divorce:

•

Matt. 5:31, 32.

•

Matt. 19:3-9.

•

Luke 16:18.

What are people to do who do not have Bible grounds for divorce, yet

do divorce? 1 Cor. 7:10, 11.

Granted there are home and family situations that are far from the ideal

that make this question one for which there are no simple answers. Yet

consider the spiritual implications of divorce. It is the severing of relation-

ships between persons whom God has joined together. It involves breaking

not only vows made to another person but vows made to God. It undoes

what He has done. Paul's burden seems to be that everything should be done

that can be done to hold a marriage together.

)

THINK IT THROUGH: How can the forgiveness of God become a mo-

tivating factor in my life and family relationships? How can it help me

forgive myself as well as others? What can we do as church members to

help others deal with the guilt, anger, fear, and grief that arises from

difficult marriage relationships?

IV. PARENTS AND CHILDREN.

Parents assume a solemn responsibility when they have children. Chil-

dren do not ask to be born, nor do they deserve the disruption that divorce

forces on them. The parents' first responsibility to the children is to live

consecrated Christian lives before them. Children often are confused by par-

ents who do not live the principles that they teach.

What specific role is delegated to fathers in Ephesians 6:4?

The Bible places the duty of teaching and disciplining on fathers. Deuter-

onomy 6:1-9 pictures the father training the children to know and understand

the commandments of God. The father is to serve as the priest of the home.

In the absence of a Christian father this responsibility falls upon the mother.

ILLUMINATION:

"All members of the family center in the father. He is

the lawmaker, illustrating in his own manly bearing the sterner virtues: en-

ergy, integrity, honesty, patience, courage, diligence, and practical useful-

ness. The father is in one sense the priest of the household, laying upon the

altar of God the morning and evening sacrifice. . . . Morning and evening

the father, as priest of the household, should confess to God the sins com-

mitted by himself and his children through the day."—

The Adventist

Home,

p. 212.

What qualities characterize a mother whose husband and children

call her "blessed?" Prov. 31:10-28.

"The tenderest earthly tie is that between the mother and her child. The

child is more readily impressed by the life and example of the mother than

by that of the father, for a stronger and more tender bond of union unites

them.

"The thoughts and feelings of the mother will have a powerful influence

upon the legacy she gives her child. . .

"A Christian mother will ever be wide awake to discern the dangers that

surround her children. She will keep her own soul in a pure, holy atmo-

sphere; she will regulate her temper and principles by the word of God and

will faithfully do her duty, living above the petty temptations which will

always assail her.

"—The Adventist Home,

pp. 240, 241.

As difficult as child rearing can be at times, children have a charm that is

all their own. They possess a capacity to initiate and reciprocate love and

trust. We must appreciate the preciousness of this gift with which the Lord

blesses parents.

What is the responsibility of children toward their parents? Ex.

20:12; Eph. 6:1-3.

As parents and children open their hearts to the influences of the Holy

Spirit, harmony and love will prevail in the home. This increasing closeness

to one another and to God will testify to the power of the final gospel mes-

sage to create the kind of unity for which Christ prayed (Mal. 4:5, 6; John

17:23).

THINK IT THROUGH: In the light of James 1:27, in what practical

ways should church members respond to the needs of single parents and

their children?

V. INCREASING FAMILY CLOSENESS.

Happiness is not an end in itself. It is the product of Christlike, other-

centered living. The family that prays and plays together stays together.

"Hearts that are filled with the love of Christ can never get very far

apart."—Testimonies,

vol. 5, p. 335. Families that attend church together

and work together for others find joy and happiness in such association.

SEARCH AND LEARN: What keys to successful family relationships

are found in the passages that follow?

•

Matt. 5:44



•

Matt. 7:1-5



•

Rom. 12:10



•

Eph. 4:32



ILLUMINATION:

"As life with its burden of perplexity and care meets

the newly wedded pair, the romance with which imagination so often invests

marriage disappears. Husband and wife learn each other's character as it

was impossible to learn it in their previous association. This is a most critical

period in their experience. The happiness and usefulness of their whole fu-

ture life depend upon their taking a right course now. Often they discern in

each other unsuspected weaknesses and defects; but the hearts that love has

united will discern excellencies also heretofore unknown. Let all seek to

discover the excellencies rather than the defects. Often it is our own attitude,

the atmosphere that surrounds ourselves, which determines what will be

revealed to us in another."—The

Ministry of Healing,

p. 360.

If you strike a single key on the piano the sound you get is not harmony.

In order to get harmony you must have at least one other note. It may be one

close by or one at some distance, but if it is a harmonious note it will blend

until the two sound like one but produce a more beautiful tone than either

would if struck separately or if one were played twice as loud.

71-

THINK IT THROUGH: What benefits come to the family through the

practice of regular family worship? What can I do to help family wor-

ship deepen the individual spiritual experience of my family?

FURTHER STUDY AND MEDITATION:

Study as much as you can of

the section on the home found in

The Ministry of Healing,

pages 349-395.

WHAT OTHERS TEACH:

The Roman Catholic Church constitutes the

world's largest Christian organization. It takes a strong stand against divorce

for any reason. The Catholic Church does not recognize the one exception

that Jesus made, adultery, as grounds for a divorce. On the other extreme,

divorce for any and all reasons is allowed by many Protestant churches.

HOW TO SHARE THIS TRUTH WITH OTHERS:

The first require-

ment in sharing our understanding of truth with others is daily to ask the

Lord for a fitness to meet people in a redemptive way. One of the finest

ways to share this doctrine is to invite a neighboring family to enjoy an

evening worship with your family. If possible sing several hymns, ask the

children to participate in reading passages of Scripture, share a Bible story

or two, then have prayer together. Make your guests feel welcome and com-

fortable. Be sensitive as to whether they are willing to participate in the

worship or not. As you get to know people through this method, invite them

to church and watch for opportunities to have Bible studies together. The

same principle can apply to those who are single or who live alone. One

person can invite a family over to enjoy a worship experience of this kind.

SUMMARY:

Malachi 4:6 has special application to God's remnant people

in the end time. A Christian home, where the love of Christ reigns supreme,

is a powerful witness to the effectiveness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Con-

secrated families form the backbone of the church. Satan's special object of

attack is to destroy the marriage relationship and to alienate love and respect

on the part of husbands and wives, children and parents. We live in fearful

times, but we have the sacred opportunity of taking the time and effort to

make our marriages work and to have a model home. Both the seventh-day

Sabbath and marriage were established by God in Eden and were designed

to be a permanent fixture. Christ did not divorce His unfaithful bride, the

church, but died for it. In the same way husbands and wives should demon-

strate tender love and faithfulness for one another.

APPLICATION



Do I realize that a happy marriage relationship and home do not

come by accident, but are a result of specific planning and working

the plan?

If I am single and have plans for marriage or am thinking of mar-

riage, am I making a deliberate effort to assure that my plans are

approved by God?

If there is a problem in my marriage relationship, am I doing every-

thing possible through my own commitment to Christ to bring about

healing?

In what way has Christ's presence brought happiness and joy to my

family?

110

God Trellis Us About

Christ's Heaven[ly

Ministry

MEMORY TEXT: "And the times of this ignorance God winked

at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: because

he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in

righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he

hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him

from the dead" (Acts 17:30, 31).

SAB

CENTRAL TEACHING: "Christ's Ministry in the Heavenly Sanctu-

ary.

There is a sanctuary in heaven, the true tabernacle which the Lord set

up and not man. In it Christ ministers on our behalf, making available to

believers the benefits of His atoning sacrifice offered once for all on the

cross. He was inaugurated as our great High Priest and began His interces-

sory ministry at the time of His ascension. In 1844, at the end of the pro-

phetic period of 2300 days, He entered the second and last phase of His

atoning ministry. It is a work of investigative judgment which is part of the

ultimate disposition of all sin, typified by the cleansing of the ancient He-

brew sanctuary on the Day of Atonement. In that typical service the sanctu-

ary was cleansed with the blood of animal sacrifices, but the heavenly things

are purified with the perfect sacrifice of the blood of Jesus. The investigative

judgment reveals to heavenly intelligences who among the dead are asleep

in Christ and therefore, in Him, are deemed worthy to have part in the first

resurrection. It also makes manifest who among the living are abiding in

Christ, keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and in

Him, therefore, are ready for translation into His everlasting kingdom. This

judgment vindicates the justice of God in saving those who believe in Jesus.

It declares that those who have remained loyal to God shall receive the king-

dom. The completion of this ministry of Christ will mark the close of human

probation before the Second Advent. "—Fundamental Belief No. 23.

OUTLINE:

The Ancient Israelite Sanctuary.

II.

Christ the Deity, the Sacrifice, and the High Priest.

III.

The Pre-Advent, Investigative Judgment.

IV.

The Time of the Judgment.

INTRODUCTION:

The ancient Israelite sanctuary was designed by God to

explain the sacrifice, heavenly mediation, and judgment ministry of the

Lord Jesus Christ. The sacrifices offered in the sanctuary court pointed for-

ward to the cross. The priestly work in the Holy Place represented Christ's

intercessory ministry after His resurrection. The-High Priest's work in the

Most Holy Place symbolized Christ's final ministry of vindication -in the

pre-advent, investigative judgment.

Why is there need for an end-time, pre-advent judgment? God sees the

end from the beginning: Why should He convene a court session in heaven

to decide who should be saved and who lost?

God is not concerned only with His own attitudes and reactions. He is

concerned that all the inhabitants of the unfallen'universe should be thor-

oughly convinced that the people He takes to heaven at the second coming of

Jesus have a right to be there. And God wants the unfallen angels to under-

stand without any doubt at all that every person whom He judges-to be un-

worthy of heaven is justly condemned to eternal death.

The only way to confirm the belief of the unfallen universe in His com-

plete justice is to allow them to look into the records of people's lives, so

that they can know for themselves who have genuinely believed in Jesus and

who have not.

There is another equally important point. God wants His people to have

victory over sin. He cannot take to heaven people who refuse to receive the

Holy Spirit as the power to overcome sin. There is a special sealing work to

be done before our Lord returns. Associated with that work there will be a

mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit (the "latter rain") as the end draws

near. The heavenly judgment now in session is an on-going scrutiny of

people's lives, so that the universe can know who is growing in Christ- and

who is refusing to grow. Our Lord promises to give us unlimited power to

serve Him and overcome all evil. The pre-advent judgment decides who is

availing himself of that power, -and who is not.

The pre-advent judgment is intended by God to be a great incentive for

last-day people to turn to Christ and receive His Spirit into their hearts. Their-

innocence in Christ will make it possible for the heavenly court to decide

that their names should be kept in the book of life for eternity.

I. THE ANCIENT ISRAELITE SANCTUARY.

When the children of Israel were traveling from Egypt to the promised

land, Moses was commanded by the Lord to build a sanctuary that would be

His dwelling place, as well as a place of worship for the people. (See Ex.

25:8.) This sanctuary was not the same as a modern church. It consisted of a

courtyard in which was a tent or tabernacle. The tent contained two rooms,

one twice the size of the other.

Describe the two items of furniture in the court of the sanctuary. Ex.

27:1-8; 30:17-21.

Briefly describe the contents of the holy place. Ex. 25:23-32; 30:1-8.

Holy of holies

Holy place

Outer court

Ark and mercy seat

Table of shewbread

Golden altar

Candlestick

Laver

Brazen altar

Bars and boards

Inner veil

Coverings and curtains

Gate

Describe the contents of theinost holy place. Ex. 25:10-21.

The

two items of furniture in the court were the altar of burnt offering and

the laver.

The Holy Place contained a candlestick with seven branches (menorah),

the table of shewbread, and the altar of incense.

In the Most Holy Place was the ark of the covenant, a relatively small box

containing the tables of stone, on which were written the Ten Command-

ments. The ark was a symbol of the throne of God. The presence of the Lord

was manifested above the mercy seat. (See Num. 7:89; 1 Sam. 4:4; 2 Kings

19:15.)

The Sanctuary

The court was the place for animal sacrifices; the Holy Place represented

priestly intercession or mediation; the Most Holy Place was the dwelling

place of God where each Day of Atonement (tenth day of the seventh month)

the judgment took place. Sacrifice, mediation, and judgment are the three

great ministries provided by Jesus Christ to save the believing worshiper.

II. CHRIST THE DEITY, THE SACRIFICE, AND THE HIGH

PRIEST.

Who accompanied Israel in their travels, dwelling upon the throne in

the Most Holy Place of the sanctuary? 1 Cor. 10:1-4; Ex. 40:33-38.

The Greek word translated "followed" in 1 Cor. 10:4 may also mean

"accompanied. " Christ accompanied Israel in their wilderness travels.

ILLUMINATION:

"Christ was their instructor. As He had been with them

in the wilderness, so He was still to be their teacher and guide. In the taber-

nacle and the temple His glory dwelt in the holy Shekinah above the mercy

seat. In their behalf He constantly manifested the riches of His love and

patience.

"—Christ's Object Lessons,

p. 288. (See also

Prophets and Kings,

p. 18 and

Testimonies,

vol. 6, p. 221.)

Whose sacrifice was represented by every animal sacrifice offered in

the court of the sanctuary? John 1:29; Heb. 10:1-12.

What was symbolized by the daily ministry of the priests in the court

and the Holy Place? Heb. 4:14-16; 7:23-28; 8:1, 2; 9:11-14.

Atonement for sin was provided the repenting Israelite when: (1) he con-

fessed his sin over the head of a sacrifice (Lev. 4:29 first part); (2) he took

the life of the animal (Lev. 4:29 last part); (3) the priest sprinkled the blood

either on the horns of the altar of burnt offering (for the ruler or common

person) or before the veil that separated the Holy from the Most Holy Place

(for the entire congregation or a priest). (See Lev. 4:25, 30; compare verses

6, 17.) Thus "atonement" included priestly ministry (sprinkling of blood)

after the sacrifice had been made.

Leviticus chapter four explains that in the case of the sin-offering for the

average person and the ruler, blood was sprinkled by the priest on the horns

of the altar of burnt offering in the court (Lev. 4:25, 30). Then part of the

flesh of the animal was cooked and eaten by the priests (Lev. 6:26, 29, 30).

The eating of the flesh represented the priest taking upon himself the sin of

the penitent sinner. (See Lev. 10:16-18.) Because he later ministered in the

holy place, the sin was taken into the presence of God and symbolically

transferred to the sanctuary. In the case of the sin-offering for the priest and

the entire congregation, the officiating priest sprinkled the blood seven times

before the veil in the holy place, and upon the horns of the altar of incense.

(See Lev. 4:6, 7.) None of the sin- offering for the priest was eaten by the

priests.

The sprinkling of the blood and the eating of the flesh by the priests sym-

bolized the recording of pardon in the sanctuary. Christ bore "our sins in his

body on the tree" (1 Peter 2:24). Now in the heavenly sanctuary He applies

the merits of His shed blood. (See Heb. 9:12-14.) His sacrifice was a full

and complete offering for sin. But His heavenly priestly mediation is essen-

tial so that the merits of His sacrifice can be applied for every repentant

sinner.

ILLUMINATION:

"The intercession of Christ in man's behalf in the sanc-

tuary above is as essential to the plan of salvation as was His death upon the

cross. By His death He began that work which after His resurrection He

ascended to complete in heaven. We must by faith enter within the veil,

`whither the forerunner is for us entered.' Hebrews 6:20."—The

Great Con-

troversy,

p. 489.

December

HI. THE PRE-ADVENT INVESTIGATIVE JUDGMENT.

In the earthly sanctuary, what were the most important events of the

Day of Atonement? Lev. 16:6-10, 15-22.

What was the purpose of the High Priest's ministry in the Most Holy

Place of the sanctuary on the Day of Atonement? Lev. 16:29, 30, 33.

Of the two goats taken by the High Priest on the Day of Atonement, one

represented Christ and the other represented Satan. The animal representing

Christ was slain, symbolizing Christ's death upon the cross. The High Priest

sprinkled some of its blood on the mercy seat in the Most Holy Place, on the

altar of incense in the Holy Place, and on the altar of burnt offering in the

court. Thus every part of the sanctuary was symbolically cleansed of the

record of pardoned sin. The sins of the people, who had brought their sin

offerings during the year, had been forgiven already. (See Lev. 4:26, 31, 35).

By the sprinkling of blood in the daily service the pardoned record had been

symbolically retained in the sanctuary. Because this record of pardoned sin

defiled the sanctuary, it was necessary to cleanse it on the Day of Atone-

ment.

While the High Priest was sprinkling the blood in the Most Holy Place,

the people were out in the court examining their hearts to be sure that all

their sins had been confessed and put away. The Day of Atonement was an

annual judgment day, on which the sanctuary, priests, and people were

cleansed.

After the vision of the "little horn" power persecuting God's people

for centuries, what scene was Daniel shown? Dan. 7:8-10, 13, 14, 21,

22, 25, 26.

After the Papacy had functioned as ecclesiastically supreme for centuries,

the heavenly judgment began. This pre-advent judgment is the antitype of

the Israelite Day of Atonement. The period of Papal supremacy ended in

1798 when the Pope was taken prisoner by Napoleon's general. This act

simply marked the end of a process during which the Papacy lost its iron grip

on the governments of western Europe. The heavenly judgment began

shortly after this. In Daniel chapter 8 we are actually given a prophecy

which, when interpreted correctly, reveals the year when this judgment com-

menced.

What is the nature of the pre-advent judgment? What kinds of deci-

sions does it make?

WED

It takes place in heaven (Dan. 7:9).

It involves a court session in which books of record are examined

(Dan. 7:9, 10). This is why we call it an "investigative judgment." (On the

heavenly books of record, see the book of life [Luke 10:20; Phil. 4:3; Heb.

12:23; Rev. 20:12], the record of sins [Eccl. 12:14; Matt. 12:36, 37; Jer.

2:22; Rev. 20:12; 22:12], the book remembrance [Mal. 3:16, 171.)

The "Son of man" is the defense attorney in this judgment (Dan. 7:13).

The title "Son of man" was Jesus' favorite name for Himself. (See Matt.

8:20; 9:6; 11:19, et cetera.) Daniel 7:13 is not describing the second coming

of Christ. The Son of man comes to the Ancient of Days (the Father) who is

seated upon His throne before the heavenly court (vs. 9). (See

The Great

Controversy,

p. 424.)

Christ receives His kingdom in this judgment (Dan. 7:14). At the con-

clusion of the pre-advent judgment, all those whose names have been re-

tained in the book of life are delivered and saved eternally (Dan. 12:1).

Those who once had their names in the book of life, but who did not retain

their victorious born-again experience, have had their names taken out of the

book of life (Rev. 3:5). Salvation depends on maintaining our relationship

with Jesus. "He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved"

(Matt. 24:13).

SEARCH AND LEARN: What do the following passages teach regard-

ing the nature of the pre-advent judgment? Mal. 3:1-4 (compare Isa.

4:3, 4); Matt. 22:11-14; Rev. 6:9-11; 7:1-3; 8:2-5; 11:1 (compare chapter

10); 14:1-5; 19:2, 7, 8; 22:11, 12.

Two prominent messages emerge from a study of the above passages: (1)

In the heavenly temple before His second advent, the Lord conducts an in-

vestigation of His professed people. (2) In that investigation the righteous

dead are vindicated, and the living believers are filled with the Spirit of

Christ and righteousness as the means of victory over sin.

ILLUMINATION:

"Now, while our great High Priest is making the atone-

ment for us, we should seek to become perfect in Christ. Not even by a

thought could our Saviour be brought to yield to the power of temptation.

. . . Satan could find nothing in the Son of God that would enable him to

gain the victory. He had kept His Father's commandments, and there was no

sin in Him that Satan could use to his advantage. This is the condition in

which those must be found who shall stand in the time of trouble."—

The

Great Controversy,

p. 623. (See also pp. 484-491;

Early Writings,

pp. 48,

71, 269-271;

Testimonies,

vol. 2, pp. 355, 430; vol. 4, p. 429;

The Acts of

the Apostles,

p. 531;

Our High Calling,

p. 278.)

IV. THE TIME OF THE JUDGMENT.

The prophecy of Daniel 8 provides a foreview of history from ancient

times to the second coming of Jesus. It covers substantially the same exten-

sive period of history outlined in Daniel 7. The symbolism is different, but

the two prophecies are, for the most part, parallel.

What event mentioned in Daniel 8 is parallel to the pre-advent judg-

ment of Daniel 7:9-14? Dan. 8:14.

TAU

December

When did both the 70 weeks and the 2300 days begin? Dan. 9:24, 25.

The cleansing of the sanctuary was to begin after 2300 days (Dan. 8:14).

There are some vital facts about this period of time that we must notice:

The phrase translated "days" means a 24-hour period. The Hebrew

phrase is

'ereb boaer.

It means literally "evening-morning." A form of this

phrase is used some 22 times in the Hebrew Old Testament. When a 24-hour

period is intended the phrase is always "evening-morning." (See Gen. 1:5,

8, 13, 19, 23, 31; Ex. 27:20, 21.) When the offering of the morning and

evening sacrifice or the offering of incense is referred to, the phrase is al-

ways "morning-evening." (See 1 Chron. 16:40; 2 Chron. 2:4.) In Daniel

8:14, 26 the phrase is "evening-morning," a 24-hour period. Dan. 8:14 is

not speaking of 2300 morning and evening sacrifices of the sanctuary; or

1,150 days. The reference is to 2300 24-hour days.

The 2300 days of Dan. 8:14 are symbolic of 2300 years. The prophet

was told that the work of the little horn power would continue till the end of

time. (See Dan. 8:17, 19, 25, 26.) The 2300 literal days would not reach to

the end of time. They must refer to a period of centuries, not just a period of

6 years 4 months.

Gabriel told Daniel that "seventy weeks" (Hebrew: "seventy sevens")

were to be "cut off" (Hebrew:

chatak)

from the 2300 days. These "seventy

sevens" must refer to 490 years, because they were to reach down to the

time of the Messiah. The 490 years were to be cut off from the beginning of

the 2300 days. You cannot have 490 years cut off from 2300 literal days.

Therefore, the 2300 days are a prophetic symbol of 2300 years.

Both the 70 weeks and the 2300 days began with "the going forth of the

commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem" (Dan. 9:25). Ezra 6:14

indicates that God's commandment for the rebuilding of Jerusalem, the res-

toration of the temple and its services, and the re-establishment of the Jew-

ish state was put into effect by the decrees of three Persian monarchs: Cyrus,

Darius, and Artaxerxes. The decree of Artaxerxes I Longimanus was put

into operation in the autumn of 457 B.C. (See S. H. Horn and L. H. Wood,

The Chronology of Ezra

7, Washington D.C.: Review and Herald Publishing

Association 1953, 1970). And 2300 years after the autumn of 457 B.C.

brings us to the autumn of 1844 when the pre-advent judgment began.

How are we prepared for examination of our cases in the pre-advent

judgment? 1 John 4:13-17.

None need fear the investigative judgment. Relationship with Christ is the

key to security. There is to be an unbroken union between our Lord and

ourselves. As we look to Christ and His sacrifice, we will have victory over

Satan's power.

FURTHER STUDY AND MEDITATION:

Read as much as you can from

The Great Controversy,

chapters 23, 24, and 28.

WHAT OTHERS TEACH:

The sanctuary doctrine is virtually unknown

and untouched by other churches. No group seriously studies and preaches

this doctrine as do Seventh-day Adventists. Yet it is given more attention in

Scripture than any other single topic. The Scriptures are literally saturated

with sanctuary language and illustrations.

HOW TO SHARE THIS TRUTH WITH OTHERS:

This is one of the

most beautiful subjects to help others see the grand sweep of the great con-

troversy between Christ and Satan followed by the final victory of our Lord.

It is a most Christ-centered topic. Successful presentation of the subject re-

quires mastery of its various elements. It would be well to share pictures in a

book or slides in order to make the subject vibrant and understandable. You

should share literature on the subject with those with whom you study.

SUMMARY:

Christ's sacrifice on the cross was followed by centuries of

mediatorial ministry. Although the ministry of forgiveness has continued

since 1844, in that year the pre-advent, investigative judgment began. In

this judgment the heavenly sanctuary is cleansed of the record of pardoned

sin, and God's living people are spiritually purified as a preparation to meet

their returning Lord.

— APPLICATION

Do I believe that God is able to give His living believers total victory

over sin?

Am I willing to seek the Lord daily for the grace to be an overcomer?

This Christmas

Give a School

When you give money to

the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering,

December 19, you're giving desks,

chalkboards and the chance for a

brighter future to children in

Curitiba, Brazil.

Help Build a School in

Curitiba, Brazil.

THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING

Adult

Lesson

God Tells Us About

the Second Coming

?ZIT;

MEMORY TEXT: "The grace of God that bringeth salvation

hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness

and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly,

in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glori-

ous appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ"

(Titus 2:11-13).

CENTRAL TEACHING: "The second coming of Christ.

The second

coming of Christ is the blessed hope of the church, the grand climax of the

gospel. The Saviour's coming will be literal, personal, visible and world-

wide. When He returns, the righteous dead will be resurrected, and together

with the righteous living will be glorified and taken to heaven, but the un-

righteous will die. The almost complete fulfillment of most lines of proph-

ecy, together with the present condition of the world, indicates that Christ's

coming is imminent. The time of that event has not been revealed, and we

are therefore exhorted to be ready at all times."—Fundamental Belief No.

24.

OUTLINE:

Who Will Come?

II.

Why Will He Come?

III.

When Will He Come?

IV.

How Will He Come?

How Can We Be Ready?

INTRODUCTION:

From the earliest days of our existence as a people,

Seventh-day Adventists have sung songs about the "blessed hope" in the

second coming of Christ (Titus 2:13). As half of our denominational name

indicates, we expect a literal second coming. Not only will Christ return but

He will return soon, although He has not revealed the specific time for this

event. Because we believe that one day we will see Jesus coming in triumph,

surrounded by His holy angels, we are happy people, and our songs reflect

this joy.

Although no one but God knows the exact time of the second coming, it

is possible to know by studying the prophecies and signs that it is near,

"even at the doors" (Matt. 24:33). The Second Coming will bring the

earthly kingdoms of the present age to an end. It will establish God's king-

dom, the last of the kingdoms predicted in Daniel 2. Because history records

that the other portions of the Daniel 2 prophecy have been fulfilled, there is

no doubt that God's kingdom will be established as predicted.

I. WHO WILL COME?

In recent years bumper stickers on some cars in the United States have

raised the question "Guess Who's Coming Again?" People in this country

are talking about the end of the world and the second coming of Jesus to a

degree not seen since the great advent movement of the eighteen-forties.

What is there about the promise that Jesus made in John 14:1-3 that

has inspired His followers through the ages to look forward so enthusi-

astically to His return?

Facing the final crisis of His life on earth and ultimate separation from His

disciples, Christ gave this glorious promise for the encouragement of His

followers throughout the ages. It is one of the 318 times that His second

coming is mentioned in the New Testament. One of the greatest assurances

that we have that Christ will come the second time comes from the way He

fulfilled the prophecies of His first coming.

How did heavenly beings attest to the fact that Christ will return?

Acts 1:9-11.

SEARCH AND LEARN: Indicate below how the Old Testament con-

tributes to our understanding of the second coming of Christ:



0 Psalm 50:3-5



Isa. 66:15, 16



0 Dan. 2:44, 45



True Christians live for the fulfillment of these prophecies. If they die

before Jesus comes, they do so with this hope in their hearts. Why? Because

true Christians love Jesus more than anyone else and long to be with Him.

THINK IT THROUGH:

If you hear that a loved one that you have not seen

for some time is coming soon to see you, how do you feel?

If you knew that a person dear to you was coming to see you soon, what

kind of information would you want? Most likely you would want to know

why, where, when, and how the person was coming. You would also want

to know what you could do to make preparations for your beloved visitor

and how best to prepare for his or her arrival. This lesson seeks to answer

these kinds of questions about Jesus' return.

II. WHY WILL HE COME?

The reason for Jesus' second coming is that He loves His human brothers

and sisters and wants them to be with Him. "I go to prepare a place for

you," He told the first disciples. "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I

will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may

be also" (John 14:2, 3). Jesus will take His beloved—including those who

have died and are resurrected when He comes—to heaven with Him. (See

1 Thess. 4:16, 17.)

What all-inclusive reason for Christ's second coming is mentioned in

Hebrews 9:28?

Here is the one text in the Bible that links the term

second

with Christ's

return. History moves relentlessly toward this glorious event. It is God who

controls the future of our earth because of the victory over sin and the world,

which Jesus won at the cross. Although many today are pessimistic about

the future, Christ will come soon to make everything that is wrong right

again.

How does Paul show that victory over the grave depends on the re-

turn of Jesus? 1 Cor. 15:19-23.

Three important concepts can be found in this passage that discusses the

resurrection. First, Paul holds out hope for all who accept Christ. The

"blessed hope" that Christ gives the believer is not only for this life but

includes the life that the righteous receive

on the resurrection day. Second,

Paul holds out hope for those who die in Christ. He argues that if there is no

second coming of Christ, then there can be no resurrection of the dead. In

that case our belief, hope, and trust in Christ would be quite transitory and

futile. Third, Paul emphasizes the fact that the resurrection definitely takes

place at Christ's coming: "As in Adam all men die, so in Christ all will be

brought to life; but each in his awn proper place: Christ the firstfruits, and

afterwards,

at his coming,

those who belong to Christ" (1 Cor. 15:22, 23,

NEB, italics supplied).

What distinction is made in 1 Corinthians 15:51-54 between what

happens to the righteous dead and the righteous living at Christ's re-

turn?

Notice that, whether a righteous person is dead or living when Christ

returns, the glorious gift of immortality is bestowed upon both at that time,

never again to be haunted by the fear of death. Death will have lost its sting.

The grave will have been robbed of the victory it has claimed.

What additional reason does John give for the second coming of

Christ? Rev. 22:12.

Christians whose lives are hid in Christ look upon the judgment as bring-

ing a happy reward. They will spend eternity with Jesus.

SEARCH AND LEARN: What are some of the other happy conse-

quences of the judgment and Christ's return?

0 Isa. 35:10



0 Dan. 7:22



®2 Tim 4



0 Rev 2



o Rev. 3:21



0 Rev. 21



III. WHEN WILL HE COME?

There are many lines of prophecy in the Scriptures, particularly the books

of Daniel and Revelation, that indicate Jesus will return soon. But here we

will concentrate on Christ's own predictions about His second coming, pre-

dictions made during His ministry on earth.

What did Jesus say to the disciples as they left the Temple that trig-

gered their interest in the question of when these things would take

place? Matt. 24:1-3.

Apparently the disciples thought of the destruction of Jerusalem and the

second coming as taking place in one great climactic event. In the prophecy

that follows, Jesus answers both phases of the disciples' question. Thus the

prophecy has a double application—first to the events that surrounded the

destruction of A.D. 70, and next to the time of His second coming. In verses

4-14 we find predictions that apply to both events. Verses 15-20 seem to

find their primary fulfillment in the destruction of Jerusalem, although there

is a parallel to our day.

What description did Jesus give of the period that was to follow the

destruction of Jerusalem? Verses 21, 22.

This was fulfilled during the period known as the Dark Ages and contin-

ued through the middle of the eighteenth century.

What spectacular signs were to follow immediately after the period of

great tribulation? Verse 29.

Adventists are aware of the fulfillment of the signs in the sun, moon, and

stars in 1780 and 1833. But what does Jesus' prophecy mean when it states

that the "powers of the heavens shall be shaken"? See

Early Writings,

What does Luke add to the prophetic outline found in Matthew 24

that takes place after the signs in the sun, moon, and stars? Luke 21:25,

26.

The distress of nations mentioned in verse 25 is accompanied with per-

plexity—the sea and the waves roaring. In Bible prophetic symbolism the

sea represents peoples. This phase of prophecy most likely was fulfilled in

the middle of the nineteenth century in the great revolutionary movements

among the peoples of Europe. The condition of worldwide fear described in

verse 26 certainly describes what has happened during the last half of the

twentieth century. Christ's prophetic outline reaches down to the very time

in which we are living.

What will happen next? Luke 21:27, 28.

THINK IT THROUGH: Why does God not want us to know the exact

day and hour of Christ's return? (See Matt. 24:36.)

Even though we may not know the exact day and hour, what can we

know in regard to the time when Christ will return? Matt. 24:32, 33.

IV. HOW WILL HE COME?

Besides watching carefully the signs of Jesus' coming, we are to learn all

that we can about the manner of His coming. The reason for this is that

counterfeit "christs" will appear in the last days who will "deceive many"

(Matt. 24:5).

What assurance do we have that Christ's coming will be literal, per-

sonal, and visible? Acts 1:11.

His second coming is not to be confused with the spiritual presence of

Christ with believers since His ascension, with the descent of the Holy Spirit

as Christ's representative, or with death.

SEARCH AND LEARN: How do we know that Christ will not come in

the kind of "secret rapture" so many expect today?

Matt. 24:26, 27, 30



1 Thess. 4:16



Rev 1



V. HOW CAN WE BE READY?

What two essential steps are we to take in order to make sure that we

are ready for Jesus to come? Luke 21:36.



What did Jesus mean when He challenged those who want to be ready for

His return to "watch"? He spells His meaning out in very detailed fashion

in seven parables of preparedness found in Matthew 24:32-25:46.

STUDY carefully the chart that follows in order better to understand

what it means to "watch" and to become aware of those attitudes that

should characterize those longing for Christ's return:

Parables of

Preparedness

Meaning of "Watch"

Attitude

24:32-35—Fig tree

Nearness

Awareness

24:36-42—As in

the days of Noah

Unexpectedness

Watchfulness,

concern

24:43, 44—Thief in

the night

Readiness

Being on

guard

24:45, 51—Two types

of servants

Responsibility

Faithfulness

25:1-13—Ten virgins

Spiritual

responsibility

Consecration

dedication

25:14-30—Talents

Diligence,

accountability

Loving anxiety

to share

25:31-46—Sheep

and goats

Loye

As Christ

loved

What will those who have the blessed hope in Christ's soon return do

to demonstrate that they belong to Him and wish to be with Him?

1 John 3:2, 3.

FURTHER STUDY AND MEDITATION:

Read as much as you can of

chapter 40 in

The Great Controversy,

"God's People Delivered," pages

635-652.

WHAT OTHERS TEACH:

Many Christians believe Christ's coming is

likened to a thief in the night because it will be a secret rapture. Hal Lindsey,

author of the best seller

The Late Great Planet Earth,

calls it "Project

Disappearance." These teach that Christians will be "caught up to meet the

Lord in the air" suddenly—from whatever they are doing—driving, pilot-

ing, teaching, performing surgery, et cetera. Imagine the colossal confusion

that would be the result of this type of activity!

The teaching of dispensationalism is a prominent one. Those who believe

it hold that the references to the second coming in Scripture are primarily

concerned with the fate of restored Israel in the last days and not with the

church. Dispensationalists believe that the secret rapture will begin a seven-

year period in which the Temple will be rebuilt, sacrifices commence, Israel

will be invaded three-and-a-half years into the tribulation period, but God

will miraculously intervene. Out of gratitude all Jews will become Chris-

tians and evangelize the world to prepare for the second coming of Christ at

the end of the seven-year period. Naturally this interpretation does violence

to the seventy-week prophecy of Daniel 9 by pulling this one week period

out of context and placing it in the future.

HOW TO SHARE THIS TRUTH WITH OTHERS:

If you are convers-

ing with Christians, a good way to introduce this subject is to ask what they

personally believe about the second coming. If they belong to a church ask

what their church teaches. Pray that their questions will open the door for

you to explain your position based on the Sabbath School lesson just stud-

ied. If the person to whom you are talking is a dispensationalist or believes

in the secret rapture, then carefully study this lesson and be prepared to ask

other questions as to the meaning of certain texts that cannot be harmonized

with these false doctrines. Above all present the second coming of Christ in

an eager, exciting way. Let others see that you are looking forward to this

great day, and realize how much you long to see Jesus face to face.

SUMMARY:

Summarize this fundamental belief in your own words:

— APPLICATION

o Do I eagerly await the coming of Christ by daily growing in grace

through study, prayer, and witnessing?

0 Am I able to look back on each day's activities and know that this

day has been a steppingstone toward Christ's return?

0 Do the things I do, eat, wear, and the places I go fit in with my belief

in the soon return of Jesus Christ?

Adult

Lesson

God Te011s Us About

Death and Resurrection

MEMORY TEXT: "For since by man came death, by man came

also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so

in Christ shall all be made alive" (1 Cor. 15:21, 22).

CENTRAL TEACHING: "Death and Resurrection.

The wages of sin is

death. But God, who alone is immortal, will grant eternal life to His re-

deemed. Until that day death is an unconscious state for all people. When

Christ, who is our life, appears, the resurrected righteous and the living

righteous will be glorified and caught up to meet their Lord. The second

resurrection, the resurrection of the unrighteous, will take place a thousand

years later. "—Fundamental Belief No. 25.

OUTLINE:

I. What Did Jesus and Bible Prophets Teach About Death?

H. Where Are the Dead?

III.

What Is a Human "Spirit"?

IV.

What Is a "Soul"? Is It Immortal?

Will the Dead Live Again?

INTRODUCTION:

There is great interest today in the subject of life after

death. The weekly national newspapers at supermarket checkout stands of-

ten have stories and pictures of people who allegedly experienced life after

being pronounced clinically dead. When they were revived they told their

stories. The concept of life after death is also very vividly portrayed in some

television programs.

At various times and places during the past century, studies have been

conducted suggesting that there is life immediately after death. The idea of

the immortality of the soul has pervaded the religions and philosophies of

mankind for many centuries. The Chinese built mansions, veritable ghost

towns, to house the spirits of their ancestors. Buddhists believe in

transmigration of the soul to other bodies. Hindus also believe in spirit mi-

gration, a reincarnation through other births.

These Eastern philosophies are becoming very influential in the West.

Certain organizations and movements, some Christian and some non-Chris-

tian, are giving credence to the immortal-soul concept.

It is vitally important to know the truth of this subject as a safeguard

against the onslaught of spiritistic philosophies and religions that are grip-

ping masses of Christians and non-Christians. What happens when a person

dies? Does his soul go to heaven or hell? Does it stay in the grave? Does the

dead person know what is happening on earth? Can he, as many people

believe, communicate with his living loved ones? Where are the dead? Will

the circumstances of the dead ever change, or is death the end of it all? Is

there life immediately after death, or later, or never?

Philosophers have come up with all kinds of theories on this subject. The

doctrine of the immortality of the soul taught by the ancient Greek philos-

opher Plato (about 427-347 B.C.) very much influenced Jewish thought in

the Hellenistic period. As a result, the Jewish Pharisees believed in the im-

mortality of the soul. The Alexandrian Jew Philo, who wrote in the first

century A.D., had a considerable influence on early Christian theologians,

such as Origen (about A.D. 185-254). Hence, the Greek philosophical

teaching of the immortality of the soul became largely accepted by Chris-

tians.

We are interested in what the Bible teaches. Only God knows the true

condition of those who have died. We turn to God for the answer.

I. WHAT DID JESUS AND BIBLE PROPHETS TEACH ABOUT

DEATH?

How did Christ's greatest miracle, the raising of Lazarus, reveal the

state of man in death? What did Jesus call death? John 11:6, 7, 11-14.

SEARCH AND LEARN: Compare the following Bible passages with

Jesus' teaching on the state of man in death:

•

Deut. 31:16



•

Job 7:21; 14:10-12



•

Dan. 12



•

Matt. 27:52



•

Mark 5:39



•

Acts 7:60



Never did Jesus or any of the Bible writers suggest that part of man sleeps

at death while another part goes on living in a conscious state. Never do they

even imply that death is not, like sleep, a state of unconsciousness. When

the Bible writers faced death they did not expect to be conscious living be-

ings again until, by a divine miracle, their existence was restored.

According to the inspired wise man, how much knowledge do the

dead have? Eccl. 9:5, 6, 10.

What did Job teach about the knowledge dead people have of their

living loved ones? Job 14:21.

What knowledge of God do the dead have? Do they praise God?

Psalms 6:5; 115:17.

The Bible teaches that the dead are sleeping, without any awareness of

what is happening on earth or in heaven. They do not praise God because

they cannot. If the good were in heaven immediately after death, wouldn't

they praise the Lord?

The parable of the rich man and

.a7arus (Luke 16:19-31) is often used as

evidence of life in either heaven or hell immediately after death. The parable

is simply designed to teach the danger of covetousness. It offers no support

for the doctrine of the immortality of the soul. If the parable is interpreted

literally it becomes an absurdity.

For example, the beggar went to "Abraham's bosom." Obviously that is a

symbol. Abraham would have needed a very large chest to literally accom-

modate all the righteous dead. The rich man in hell spoke of Lazarus' finger,

and his own tongue. In this parable the dead have bodies. But immortal soul

advocates believe that the souls of the dead are disembodied. Who imagines

that it is possible for the good in heaven to converse with the wicked in hell,

as they do in this parable? The rich man wanted Lazarus to go to his living

brothers and warn them. The only way that could happen, accordingto this

story, would be if "one rose from the dead" (Luke 16:31). That is quite

different from the popular idea that dead souls can communicate with the

living without a resurrection being necessary.

Jesus was using a popular fable as a sermon illustration. He was not teach-

ing life immediately after death, or the doctrine of the immortality of the

soul. The first-century Jewish historian Josephus tells much the same fable

in other words. (See "An Extract out of Josephus's Discourse to the Greeks

Concerning Hades" in

Josephus—Complete Works,

translated by William

Whiston (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Kregel, 1960), pp. 637, 638).

II. WHERE ARE THE DEAD?

The Bible explains where the dead are not, as well as where they are.

Where did David not go when he died, despite the fact that he was a

righteous man whose sins had been forgiven? Acts 2:29, 34.

his great sermon on the Day of Pentecost, the apostle Peter. explained

that David's statement in Psalm 16 was a reference to the Messiah, not to

David himself (Acts 2:24-33). Peter pointed out that David was dead and

buried, and his grave was there for everyone to see. Christ rose from the

dead and ascended to heaven, but David remained in the grave, where he

saw corruption. David was a righteous man, but he did not go to heaven

when he died.

The Bible nowhere teaches that believers in Christ go to heaven when

they die.

According to Isaiah, where are the dead? Isa. 26:19.

Where would be Job's place of waiting for the change that only God

can bring to the dead? Job 14:14; 17:13-16.

Where are the dead? Job and Isaiah answer very positively. The dead are

in the dust of the.earth, resting in their graves, waiting for the great change

that Jesus promised would come at the end of time.

Death need have no fears for the believer in Christ. Because it is a state of

unconsciousness, he or she.will rest sweetly until the call of the Lifegiver. If

the dead were in heaven seeing the struggles of their loved ones on earth,

how could they ever be happy? If they were in hell, suffering for long pe-

riods of time until the second coming of the Lord, it would be difficult to

understand how a God of love could bring such protracted suffering. It

would seem that the punishment would be very much in excess of the crime;

even though some people have been very wicked.

III. WHAT IS A HUMAN "SPIRIT"?

It is believed by many Christians that there is in each person an immortal,

immaterial part that does not sleep when the body dies. The "spirit" of an

individual is thought to go on living either in heaven or hell. Does the Bible

teach this view?

What were the component parts of man given by God at creation?

Gen. 2:7.

What happens to these components when a person dies? Psalm 146:3,

4; Eccl. 12:7.

What gift from God do animals share with man? Gen. 7:15, 21, 22;

Eccl. 3:19-21.

The breath of life given to man at creation was the life principle, or life

force that gave life to the body and existence to the individual. When a

person dies the opposite process takes place. The breath of life (spirit) goes

back to God, and the body goes back to the dust of the earth. The words

"breath" (Psalm 146:4) and "spirit" (Eccl. 12:7) are a translation of the

Hebrew word

ruach.

The Greek equivalent used in the New Testament is

pneuma.

These words have a number of meanings:

(i) Breath of the mouth (Psalm 33:6; Dan. 10:17; 2 Thess. 2:8).

WED

(ii)

Breath of air, wind, soft breeze (Ex. 14:21; John 3:8).

(iii)

The Spirit of God (Gen. 1:2; John 14:17).

(iv)

An evil spirit (1 Sam. 16:23; Luke 11:24).

(v)

The principle that gives life to the body (Gen. 6:17; 7:15; Luke

8:55).

(vi)

The emotions, intellectual functions, and attitudes of the will

(Gen. 41:8; Deut. 34:9; 1 Cor. 2:11; 2 Cor. 2:13).

Never in Scripture is the "spirit" of man said to survive the death of the

body as an immortal, conscious entity. In Ecclesiastes 3:19-21 the "spirit" is

the life force implanted by God at Creation and shared by every living thing,

whether man or animal.

Some interpreters of the Bible try to use Ecclesiastes 12:7 to prove that the

immortal spirits of good people go to heaven when they die. If the

spirit

this verse is man's immortal soul, then the souls of

all

people, good and bad,

must go to heaven when they die. No one believes that the spirits of evil men

ascend to heaven.at death.

The text simply teaches that the life principle given by God to a person is

taken back by God when the individual dies. The doctrine of the immortality

of the soul is not even implied.

Both Old and New Testaments sometimes use the word "spirit" to refer to

the mind of man, his capacity to reason, as well as his ability to feel and

choose. (See Dan. 2:1; 5:12; Matt. 26:41; Rom. 1:9.) Such intellectual and

emotional faculties never survive the death of the body. In this sense, the

spirit is the inner life that is totally dependent upon the existence of the body.

As we have seen, the dead person has no further reasoning powers, emo-

tions, or powers of the will. Because the life force has been taken away from

him, he has ceased to be a living person.

IV. WHAT IS A "SOUL"? IS IT IMMORTAL?

Did God create an immortal soul for man? Genesis 2:7 says that the body

+ the breath of life = "a living soul."

That implies that if the breath of life were withdrawn man would be a

dead soul. If souls can die, they are not immortal. Immortality is the capac-

ity never to die.

SEARCH AND LEARN: What do the following passages teach regard-

ing the soul?

•

Ezek. 18



•

Rev. 16



•

Num 6



•

Matt. 10:28



•

Gen. 1:20, 21, 24, 30; 2:19



The Hebrew word for soul used in the Old Testament is

nephesh.

The

Greek equivalent used in the New Testament is

psuche.

The word

body in

111

the King James Version of Numbers 6:6 translates the Hebrew word for

"soul." The word "creature" is used to translate the Hebrew word for

"soul" in the King James Version of Gen. 1:20, 21, 30; 2:19; 9:10, 12, 15,

16. In all of those passages animals are spoken of as souls. God made ani-

mals living souls just as He made man a living soul. He formed animals

from the dust and breathed into their nostrils the breath of life. Like man,

when the animals die, they are dead souls.

Comparing man with God, who only has immortality? 1 Tim. 6:15,

16.

Because God "only hath immortality," human souls are not immortal. As

we have seen, the human soul is composed of two parts: the body and the

breath. Without the one the other cannot exist. The death of the body is the

death of the soul.

Kittel's

Theological Dictionary of the New Testament

comments on the

Hebrew word for "soul"

(nephesh):

The soul "has no existence apart from

the body. Hence the best translation in many instances is 'person' comprised

in corporeal reality. The person can be marked off and counted, Gen. 12:5;

46:18; Jos. 10:28; 11:11. Each individual is a

nephesh

[soul] and when the

texts speak of a single

nephesh

[soul] for a totality, the totality is viewed as a

single person, a 'corporate personality.' Hence

nephesh

[soul] can denote

what is most individual in human nature, namely the ego, and it can become

a synonym for the personal pronoun, Gn. 27:25." Volume IX, p. 620.

The New Testament Greek word for soul

(psuche)

has meanings similar to

those of the Old Testament word. It is often best translated by "life." A

human life is a "soul." (See Mark 3:4; 8:35 where the King James Version

translates the Greek word for "soul" by "life.")

Nowhere in the Scriptures is the soul spoken of as a disembodied immor-

tal entity in heaven or hell. The soul is the total personality or part of it.

Sometimes when the word

soul

is used it refers to the spiritual self, or the

intellectual or emotional self. But these aspects of soul are not conceived as

ever separate from the physical self. When the body dies so do the other

faculties of the soul. What is preserved for the believer is God's knowledge

of his faithfulness, and God's promise that he will have eternal life at the

second coming of Jesus.

V. WILL THE DEAD LIVE AGAIN?

SEARCH AND LEARN: What do the following passages teach regard-

ing the resurrection of the dead:

•

John 5:28, 29



•

Acts 24:15



1 Cor. 15:16-22, 51-54



o2 Cor. 4:14



0 1 Thess. 4:13-18



There are two resurrections: (1) "the resurrection of life," which is the

resurrection of the "just," (2) "the resurrection of damnation," which is the

resurrection of the "unjust." The first resurrection takes place at the second

coming of Jesus. This is when all of Christ's faithful people, those who are

raised from the dead and those who are translated without seeing death, are

given immortality. All of these faithful ones are taken to heaven with perfect

bodies and minds. (See John 14:1-3; Rev. 7:13-17;

The Great Controversy,

pp. 644, 645.) The second resurrection, in which those are raised who died

unbelieving, takes place 1,000 years later. (See Rev. 20:5, first part, 7-9.)

The lost are never given immortality. They are consumed in the fires of the

last great day. They do not live on to suffer for eternity. (See Mal. 4:1, 3;

Psalms 37:10, 20; 68:1, 2; Jude 13; 2 Peter 2:17.)

FURTHER STUDY AND MEDITATION:

On the meaning of "everlast-

ing destruction" (2 Thess. 1:9) compare: Jude 7; 2 Peter 2:6; Jer. 17:27;

2 Chron. 36:19, 21. On the meaning of "forever" (Rev. 14:11; 20:10) com-

pare: Jonah 2:6; 1:17; Matt. 12:40; 2 Kings 5:27; Ex. 12:24. On the danger

of the immortal soul doctrine read

The Great Controversy,

pages 531-562.

WHAT OTHERS TEACH:

For centuries most of the Christian world has

espoused the immortal soul doctrine. Today the vast majority of Chistian

churches teach that the soul is immortal and that the reward in heaven or hell

is received at death. Belief in limbo and purgatory is founded on this false

doctrine.

HOW TO SHARE THIS TRUTH WITH OTHERS:

Most Christians to

whom you witness believe in the immortality of the soul. Unless dealt with

very sensitively, presentation of the Bible teaching on this subject can cause

considerable conflict. Attempt to discover what the individual believes

about death before sharing your belief. Place the emphasis on life in Christ

Jesus and the hope of the resurrection. Never use crude illustrations. Do not

immediately contradict a person's belief that he or she has communicated

with the dead. First present the resurrection. Then gradually and tactfully

open up the truths found in this lesson. If you sense that an individual is

upset, immediately bring your study to a close and talk about hope in Christ

and the resurrection. Do not attempt to give the whole doctrine at one time to

people who firmly believe in the immortality of the soul.

SUMMARY:

Seventh-day Adventists believe that, because of Calvary,

death is a temporary sleep for all human beings. There is no immortal part of

man that lives on after the death of the body. At the second coming of Jesus,

the righteous dead are raised and, along with their living brethren, given

immortality. At the end of the 1,000 years, the wicked are raised, punished

according to their works, and put to sleep for eternity.

— APPLICATION

Have I put away my fear of death because of Jesus' promise to raise

me from the dead?

Am I committed to warning others of the deceptions involved in the

doctrine of the immortality of the soul?

Adult

Lesson

December 18-24

God Tells Us About

the Millennium

SAB

MEMORY TEXT: "Nevertheless we, according to his promise,

=VI

look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth

righteousness" (2 Peter 3:13).

CENTRAL TEACHING: The Millennium and the End of Sin.

The mil-

lennium is the thousand-year reign of Christ with His saints in heaven be-

tween the first and second resurrections. During this time the wicked dead

will be judged; the earth will be utterly desolate, without living human in-

habitants, but occupied by Satan and his angels. At its close Christ with His

saints and the Holy City will descend from heaven to earth. The unrighteous

dead will then be resurrected, and with Satan and his angels will surround

the city; but fire from God will consume them and cleanse the earth. The

universe will thus be freed of sin and sinners forever."—Fundamental Be-

lief No. 26.

OUTLINE:

The Millennium—the Period Between Two Resurrections.

II.

Events at the Beginning of the Millennium.

III.

Events During the Millennium:

1.What Takes Place in Heaven?

2.What Takes Place on Earth?

IV.

Events at the Close of the Millennium.

INTRODUCTION:

There are three millennial views, amillennialism,

postmillennialism, and premillenialism. Amillennialism takes the position

that the thousand years of Revelation 20 is a figurative expression.

Postmillennialism turns from the figurative to a spiritualized interpretation

of the thousand years. It believes that history is moving toward'the millen-

nium when the reign of Christ will bring the triumph of the church in estab-

lishing the kingdom of God on earth. The third view, premillennialism, was

accepted by the pioneers of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. They be-

lieved and taught this under ridicule at a time when postmillennialism held

sway. The religious world in general predicted a thousand years of peace

and prosperity prior to Christ's second coming, while Adventists preached

on the authority of the Word that the world would progressively grow more

wicked. Adventists taught that the coming of Christ would take place before

the millennial reign of peace. This is called premillennialism. Adventists

believe that the millennium will be in heaven, while the other two interpreta-

tions hold that it will take place on earth.

God raised up the Seventh-day Adventist Church for the special purpose

of proclaiming the everlasting gospel to the world in the setting of the three

EARTH REMAINS DESOLATE

(Jer. 4:23-27)

THE

MILLENNIUM

RIGHTEOUS IN HEAVEN

(Rev. 20:4, 6: 15:2, 3)

WICKED REMAIN DEAD

(Rev. 20:5)

SATAN AND EVIL ANGELS ALIVE

AND BOUND ON EARTH

(Rev. 20:1-4)

CHRIST, SAINTS AND

CRY DESCEND

(Rev. 21:2, 10; 20:9)

RETURN OF JESUS

(Matt. 24:30)

EARTH CLEANSED

AND RENEWED

(2 Pet. 3:10-13 Rev. 21, 22)

EARTH DESOLATED

(Jer. 4:23-27)

WICKED SLAIN

(Jer. 25:33; Matt 13:39

42)

LIVING SAINTS CAUGHT UP

(Matt. 24,31: 1 These. 4:17)

RIGHTEOUS DEAD RAISED

(Rev 20:6; 1 These. 4:16)

SATAN BOUND

(Rev 20:1

SATAN AND SINNERS

DESTROYED

(Rev. 20:9, 10)

LAST JUDGMENT

(Rev 20:11

15; 21:8)

WICKED DEAD RAISED

(JOhn 5:28, 29; Rev. 20:5)

SATAN LOOSED

(Rev. 20:7,8)

angels' messages. At the heart of these messages, designed to prepare peo-

ple everywhere for the second coming of Christ, is the announcement that

the "hour of his judgment is come."

The judgment began in 1844 as Christ began His Most Holy apartment

ministry in the heavenly sanctuary. As mentioned in the lesson that dealt

with the Bible teaching on the judgment, there are four phases.

Phase 1—The Investigative Judgment of the Righteous.

"Judgment must

begin at the house of God" (1 Peter 4:17). In 1844 "the judgment was set,

and the books were opened" (Dan. 7:10; see also Dan. 8:14). The records of

those whose names are recorded in the book of life are opened to the uni-

verse in order to show who on earth is fit for eternal companionship with

sinless heavenly beings.

Phase 2—The Executive Judgment of the Righteous.

Jesus tells us that this

will take place at His second coming. (See Rev. 22:12.)

Phase 3—The Investigative Judgment of the Unrighteous. In order to sat-

isfy any questions that may arise concerning the justness of His judgments,

God allows the records of those from earth who were not taken to heaven to

be investigated during the millennium. (See Rev. 20:4.)

Phase 4—The Executive Judgment of the Unrighteous.

When all are satis-

fied that God has been fair in determining the fate of the unrighteous, final

judgment is pronounced and executed. Sin and sinners will be no more.

This lesson is designed to show how these four phases of the judgment fit

into the framework of the millennium set forth in Revelation 20.

I. THE MILLENNIUM—THE PERIOD BETWEEN TWO RESUR-

RECTIONS.

The book of Revelation describes a period of 1,000 years known to Bible

students as "the millennium." The term

millennium

is not in the Bible, but is

derived from two Latin

words—mille,

meaning "1,000," and

annum,

meaning "year." In discussions of the prophecies, Bible students use the

term to refer exclusively to the 1,000-year period set forth in Revelation 20.

Of the time prophecies in the Bible, the starting and ending points of the

millennium are among the easiest to establish. The millennium begins with a

resurrection and ends with a resurrection.

What does the Bible call the resurrection that begins the 1,000-year

period? Rev. 20:6.

This resurrection affects only the righteous dead, those who are "blessed

and holy."

When are the rest of the dead resurrected? Rev. 20:5.

How did Jesus distinguish between these two resurrections in John

5:28, 29?

He called the first resurrection the



He called the second resurrection the

STUDY

the chart on page 96. Notice in the bar at the top how the events

that take place at the time of the first resurrection

precede

the 1,000 years

and those that take place at the time of the second resurrection

the

1,000 years.

H. EVENTS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE MILLENNIUM.

NOTICE

the events listed in the left hand column of the chart. These six

precede the millennium.

The Return of Jesus.

This is the climax of what are known as the "last

days." (See description in Rev. 19:11-16.)

How did Jesus describe His second coming? Matt. 24:30.

The Righteous Dead Raised.

Revelation 20:4 describes the righteous

in heaven. How did they get there? Revelation 20:6 explains.

How does the Bible connect the resurrection of the righteous with the

second coming of Christ? 1 Thess. 4:15-17.

Satan Bound.

Revelation 20:1-3 describes Satan being bound at the

beginning of the 1,000 years. What does it mean for Satan to be bound?

Ever since he first tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, Satan

has occupied himself with trying to deceive people and lead them into sin.

But with the righteous in heaven and the wicked in their graves, he will have

nothing to do. The Bible pictures him as being bound with a chain (Rev.

20:1, 2). The chain is symbolic, not literal, just as we sometimes say that we

would like to go somewhere or do something but we can't because "our

hands are tied." The translation of the righteous and the death of the wicked

are links in the chain that will bind Satan. He will be isolated on this

desolated earth.

Living Saints Caught Up.

What task does Jesus assign to the angels who accompany Him on His

return to earth? Matt. 24:31.

First Thessalonians 4:16, 17 indicates that those gathered will include

both the righteous who are living when Jesus comes and the righteous who

are resurrected at His coming.

The righteous do not remain on the earth. Before Jesus went away He

gave the wonderful promise: "I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and

prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that

where I am, there ye may be also" (John 14:2, 3). That place is in heaven.

According to Revelation 20:4-6, the saints will live and reign there with

Christ during the thousand years.

The Wicked Slain.

Where will the wicked be during the millennium? Jer. 25:33; 2 Thess.

1:7-10.

The Earth Desolated.

How does Jeremiah 4:23-27 describe the condition of this earth after

Jesus has come and taken the saints to heaven?

III. EVENTS DURING THE MILLENNIUM.

1. What Takes Place in Heaven?

What is the significance of where Revelation 15:2-4 pictures those

standing who have gained the victory over the beast and its image and

have been taken to heaven at the Second Coming? What are they doing?

See

The Great Controversy,

p. 650

SEARCH AND LEARN: Analyze the texts that follow in order to gain a

clear understanding of what they have to say about the investigative

judgment of the wicked that takes place in heaven during the millen-

nium:.Dan. 7:22; 1 Cor. 4:5; 6:2, 3; Rev. 20:4, 6.

ILLUMINATION:

"In union with Christ they judge the wicked, compar-

ing their acts with the statute book, the Bible, and deciding every case ac-

cording to the deeds done in the body. Then the portion which the wicked

must suffer is meted out, according to their works; and it is recorded against

their names in the book of death.

"—The Great Controversy,

p. 661.

This phase of judgment is part of the divine plan for demonstrating to the

entire

universe that God is both just and merciful.

2. What Takes Place on Earth?

WM,



How does the Bible show that the wicked remain dead during the

1,000 years? Rev. 20:5.

The

saints will be caught up and taken to heaven to reign with Christ

during the

thousand years while the wicked will be destroyed in the bright-

ness of His coming. This leaves the earth in a depopulated condition. Thus

we see how Satan is,bound. He is bound by circumstances, for he now has

no one to tempt.

What is intended by the use of the symbol of the "bottomless pit" in

.Revelation 20:1, 3?

This "bottomless pit" is our earth. At Christ's coming, through earth-

quakes, storms, and human violence, this earth will be reduced to chaos.

(See Rev. 16:18-20; Isa. 6:11; 24:1; Jer. 4:23-27.)

How does Isaiah portray the conditions that will prevail on earth dur-

ing the millennium? Isa. 24:1, 3, 5, 6.

See

The Great Controversy,

p. 660.

IV. EVENTS AT THE CLOSE OF THE MILLENNIUM.

Review the six events listed in the right hand column of the chart on p. 96

the events that mark the close of the millennium.

1. Christ, the Saints, and the City Descend.

Revelation 20:9 speaks of the "camp of the saints," or the beloved

city, being on earth at the end of the millennium. From where did it

come? Rev. 21:2.

Not only the New Jerusalem but its inhabitants come to earth to dwell,

including God Himself (see Rev. 21:3). "The earth itself, the very field that

Satan claims as his, is to be not only ransomed but exalted. Our little world,

under the curse of sin the one dark blot in . . . [God's] glorious creation, will

be honored above all other worlds in the universe of God. Here . . . the

tabernacle of God shall be with

men."—The Desire of Ages,

p. 26.

The Wicked Dead Raised.

We previously studied John 5:28, 29.

There Jesus refers to the two resurrections—the resurrection to life and the

resurrection to damnation, or judgment. Of the wicked, Revelation 20:5 de-

clares: "But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were

finished." It is clear that they come to life at the end of this period.

Satan Loosed.

How does Revelation 20:7, 8 help us understand what is meant by

Satan being loosed?

Events reverse themselves at the end of the millennium. God and the

saints return to earth, and the wicked dead are raised. Once again Satan has

someone to deceive. Thus he is "loosed" for a little season.

The Last Judgment.

The last phase of the judgment is the executive

judgment of the wicked, when God will be able (because of the three phases

now completed) to do away with sin and its effect forever.

How is this awesome judgment described? Rev. 20:9-15.

Satan and Sinners Destroyed.

The fire God uses to destroy sin and

sinners does not burn eternally—its

consequences

are eternal.

What three phrases in Malachi 4:1 demonstrate that the final judg-

ment fire does not burn eternally?

The Earth Cleansed and Renewed.

What does Peter say will happen to this earth after it has been purged

by the fires kept in store for the judgment of the wicked? 2 Peter 3:13.

At the end of the millennium, Satan and those who have followed him in

rebellion will be destroyed. The universe will be free from sin. And then

God will re-create this earth as the eternal home of the saved.

100

FURTHER STUDY AND MEDITATION:

Read as much as you can of

chapter 41, "Desolation of the Earth," and chapter 42, "The Controversy

Ended," in

The Great Controversy,

pages 653-678.

On the meaning of "everlasting destruction" (2 Thess.1:9) compare: Jude

7; 2 Peter 2:6; Jer. 17:27; 2 Chron 36:19, 21. On the meaning of "forever"

(Rev. 14:11; 20:10) compare: Jonah 2:6; 1:17; Matt. 12:40;

2 Kings 5:27; Ex.12:24; 1 Cor. 5:7.

WHAT OTHERS TEACH:

As mentioned in the introduction, there are

three major views of the millennium. Review these. Very few hold a specific

definite doctrine of the millennium as Adventists do. We are the major

premillennialist group, making the various details of the millennium that

follows Christ's return quite vivid and literal.

HOW TO SHARE THIS TRUTH WITH OTHERS:

One way to help

others understand this truth is to present all of the details of the millennium

dealing with the second coming and the judgment, but save the teaching

about the destruction of the wicked until the last. There is a natural, logical

progression in this type of presentation that can capture the hearts of those

who are committed to an eternally burning hell fire. Emphasize the gloriescs

of the redeemed, the new earth, and the throb of unity and peace that will be

felt throughout the universe when sin and its effects will be eradicated for-

ever.

SUMMARY:

Just as there is a time between a person's death and resurrec-

tion to new life, so there is time between the world's end and its re-creation

as the new earth. This time is called the millennium, the thousand years

during which the wicked dead know not anything, the righteous living are in

heaven, and Satan and his angels are confined to this desolate planet. For the

saved the millennium will be a time of reflection, judgment, and investiga-

tion as to why the wicked were lost.

—APPLICATION

o Does the millennium doctrine give me a sense of security in knowing

the future and final climax of sin and the restoration of our world to

its Edenic beauty?

* How often does it cross my mind as to where I will be during the

thousand years?

Am I determined that by God's grace I will be inside the New Jerusa-

lem at the end of the thousand years?

101

God Teas Us About

the New Earth

SAB

MEMORY TEXT: "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for

the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there

was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem,

coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride

adorned for her husband" (Rev. 21:1, 2).

CENTRAL TEACHING: "The New Earth.

On the new earth, in which

righteousness dwells, God will provide an eternal home for the redeemed

and a perfect environment for everlasting life, love, joy, and learning in His

presence. For here God Himself will dwell with His people, and suffering

and death will have passed away. The great controversy will be ended, and

sin will be no more. All things, animate and inanimate, will declare that God

is love; and He shall reign forever. Amen. "—Fundamental Belief No. 27.

OUTLINE:

When Will the Earth Be Made New?

II.

What Is the New Jerusalem Like?

III.

What Is the Spiritual Condition of the Saved?

IV.

What Physical and Material Blessings Are Enjoyed by the

Saved?

Are You Ready for the New Earth?

INTRODUCTION:

The poems and hymns of Fanny Crosby have had a

profound influence on the spiritual lives of millions of people in many lands.

The phenomenon of a blind woman being able to express in verse the deep-

est sentiments of the believer's heart captured the imagination of nineteenth

century Christians. Her hymns are sung with genuine appreciation by mod-

ern churchgoers.

Fanny's cousin Dr. Howard Crosby, a Presbyterian minister, died of

pneumonia at age 65. His last message stirred Fanny to the depths of her

soul. He had written that no one need fear death, and added: "If each of us is

faithful to the grace which is given us by Christ, that same grace which

teaches us how to live will also teach us how to die."

Taking up her pen, in just a few minutes Fanny wrote the famous poem

that soon after became the well-known hymn "Saved by Grace."

Someday the silver cord will break,

And I no more as now shall sing;

But, 0, the joy when I awake

Within the Palace of the King!

102

Someday, when fades the golden sun

Beneath the rosy-tinted west,

My blessed Lord will say, 'Well done!'

And I shall enter into rest.

Many questions come to mind when we consider the condition of the

saved in the earth made new. First is the question When is the earth made

new? Last week's lesson emphasized that during the 1,000 years after Jesus'

second coming the saved will be in heaven, while this earth will be in a state

of desolation inhabited only by Satan and his evil demons. How does God

change that situation?

What will the capital of the new earth be like? In their present state human

beings are not able to understand the magnificence of their eternal inheri-

tance. Even so, the Scriptures provide a faint glimpse of the unsurpassed

loveliness of the home that Jesus is preparing for His people.

What will the saved be like spiritually and physically? It is difficult to

imagine a world free from temptation to sin, free from hatred, discrimina-

tion, and war, and free from sickness, disease, and death. Is there any possi-

bility that evil will reappear after the earth has been recreated by God? Will

the saved have complete security without any fear that their world of glory'

and peace will be shattered by some new threat?

How can we be sure that Fanny Crosby's dream will be realized? For

whom will this dream come true? How do we prepare to inhabit the earth

made new?

WHEN WILL THE EARTH BE MADE NEW?

When do Christ and the saved descend to this earth? Rev. 21:2;

20:7-9.

What does God do immediately after the destruction of the lost? Rev.

21:1; 2 Peter 3:13, 14.

At the end of the millennium Satan will be released from his prison by the

raising of the lost from the dead. Then he and his demons once again will

have people to tempt. Christ and the saved will descend from heaven in the

holy city, the New Jerusalem, and the city will come to rest on this earth.

Satan will lead his hosts of lost to besiege the city with the plan of making an

assault upon it. At that point their plan will be interrupted by Christ's ap-

pearing on the "great white throne" above the city. (See Rev. 20:11.) The

final judgment will take place, and fire will come down from heaven, de-

stroying the wicked and purifying the earth. (See

The Great Controversy,

pp. 664-673.)

Before the wondering gaze of the redeemed within the holy city, the de-

formed old world is converted into a paradise of unexcelled loveliness.

103

What did Isaiah write regarding God's intention to renew the earth?

Isa. 65:17, 18, 21, 22; 66:22.

What a picture of permanence and security! No more building and some-

one else inhabiting, no more planting and someone else reaping, no more

end of life. There will be no painful reminders of our former misery. The

Lord's assurances and promises are certain to be fulfilled.

Present disappointment and suffering are so much less difficult to bear

when we consider the joys and fulfillments that are in store for us. Isaiah's

words provide wonderful reassurance: "For since the beginning of the world

men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, 0

God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him" (Isa.

64:4).

II. WHAT IS THE NEW JERUSALEM LIKE?

No human pen can adequately describe the magnificence of the New Jeru-

salem. We can only read the Bible description and try to imagine what it will

be like.

What is the New Jerusalem called? How does John describe it? Rev.

21:9-26; compare 19:7, 8.

The New Jerusalem is called "the bride, the Lamb's wife" (Rev. 21:9). It

is the home of Christ's faithful people who were married to Christ during

their earthly sojourn. Both the people and the city are called the bride be-

cause the city is the eternal home of the real bride—those who before the

Advent were judged worthy of eternal life.

The frequency of the number 12 in the description of the city indicates its

perfect symmetry. It is a perfect home for a spiritually perfected people. The

wall of jasper, the city itself of translucent gold, the foundations of precious

stones, the gates of pearl, the massive size—all suggest to the mind the most

beautiful architectural wonder the human mind could possibly conceive. But

it is impossible to depict accurately the dimensions and glory of the city.

ILLUMINATION:

"I know something of the glory of the future life. Once

a sister wrote to me and asked if I would not tell her something about the city

of our God, further than we have in the Word. She asked me if I could not

draw something of its plans. I wrote her that I would have to say to her, 'Put

off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy

ground. "No, ' said I, `you cannot paint, you cannot picture, and the martyr

tongue cannot begin to give any description of the glory of the future life;

but I will tell you what you can do: you can "press toward the mark for the

prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." You can die to self; you

can seek to grow up to the perfection of Christian character in Christ Jesus.'

That is our work; but when men begin to meddle with God's Word, I want to

tell them to take their hands off, for they do not know what they are

104

doing"—Ellen G. White comments,

SDA Bible Commentary, vol.

7, p.

920.

Why is there no temple in the New Jerusalem? Rev. 21:22.

When the saved are translated to heaven at the second coming of Jesus,

they are taken to God's temple. (See Rev. 7:15; compare 20:4.) This is the

heavenly sanctuary spoken of in Hebrews 8:1, 2, in which the sin problem is

finally disposed of during the millennium. After that there is no need of a

temple. Sin has at last been excluded from the universe.

HI. WHAT IS THE SPIRITUAL CONDITION OF THE SAVED?

When Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world" (John 18:36), He

meant that His kingdom is spiritual, not temporal; not characterized by

worldly power or human pride. His eternal kingdom on the earth made new

will be primarily a spiritual realm in which holiness is perfectly and perpet-

ually manifested.

Who will dwell with the saved for eternity on the earth made new?

Rev. 21:3.

Paul wrote of Christian experience on this earth as freedom in Christ.

"Christ is all, and in all" (Col. 3:11). On the earth made new the redeemed

will look up to Jesus as the only One who bridged the terrible gap created by

sin. He will be their eternal fulfillment. They will understand that apart from

Him there would be no meaningful everlasting life. Throughout eternity,

Christians will ever hunger and thirst for more of Jesus—more understand-

ing of His human life and works, more communion with Him, more time

witnessing with Him to unfallen worlds. They will ever seek to become

more like Him. They will live with and for Christ. To them, He will be

everything forever.

ILLUMINATION:

"The people of God are privileged to hold open com-

munion with the Father and the Son. Now we see through a glass, darkly.'

1 Corinthians 13:12. We behold the image of God reflected, as in a mirror,

in the works of nature and in His dealings with men; but then we shall see

Him face to face, without a dimming veil between. We shall stand in His

presence and behold the glory of His countenance."—The

Great Contro-

versy,

pp. 676, 677.

Of what will the saved partake throughout eternity? Rev. 22:2; 7:17;

21:6; 22:17; compare John 4:14.

In the new earth, the river of life flows "out of the throne of God and of

105

WED

the Lamb" (Rev. 22:1), and runs parallel with the city's street. The tree of

life forms an arch over the river, with roots on both sides (Rev. 22:2). Every

month it will bear new fruit. Throughout eternity the saved will partake of

the tree of life and the water of life. This symbolizes that their perpetual

existence, both spiritually and physically, will be maintained by their con-

stant union with Christ. Thus the promise of Christ to the woman of Samaria

will be completely fulfilled to her and to the redeemed of all ages. (See. John

4:14. )

What special day of worship will be observed on the new earth? Isa.

66:23.

ILLUMINATION:

"So long as the heavens and the earth endure, the Sab-

bath will continue as a sign of the Creator's power. And when Eden shall

bloom on earth again, God's holy rest day will be honored by all beneath the

sun"—The Desire of Ages,

p..283..

"When there shall be a 'restitution of all things, which God hath spoken

by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began' (Acts 3:21), the

creation Sabbath, the day on which Jesus lay at rest in Joseph's tomb, will

still be a day of rest and rejoicing. Heaven and earth will unite in praise, as

`from one Sabbath to another' (Isa. 66:23) the nations of the saved shall bow

in joyful worship to God and the Lamb."—The

Desire of Ages,

pp. 769,

770.

IV. WHAT PHYSICAL AND MATERIAL BLESSINGS ARE EN-

JOYED BY THE SAVED?

One of the most exciting features of the new earth is that we will be real

people in a real world. We will not be ethereal spirits divorced from work .

and social activities that are meaningful to humans.

SEARCH AND LEARN:

Summarize what the following passages teach

regarding the physical and material condition of the saved:

•

Phil. 3:20, 21



•

1 Cor. 13:12



•

Isa. 65:17-25



•

Isa. 11:6-9



•

Isa. 33:17, 20-22, 24



The new earth is a real place inhabited by real people with real emotions

and feelings, who will experience the real life that God intended for our

parents in Eden. The new earth is a place where we will know our friends

and loved ones, and be known by them. We will perform real work with real

hands_and enjoy the results of our labor. It will not be the arduous labor of

106

this fallen world, but the most satisfying and fulfilling work. There will be

scope for every noble- ambition. Isaiah 65:20 does not mean that sin and

death will exist on the new earthAsaiah's message had a dual application; to

Israel as a nation, and to the end-time situation when earthly kingdoms have

been swept away and God's kingdom established. Israel could have enjoyed

great spiritual, physical, and material blessings, if the people had followed

the will of God. There would have been little infant mortality, little physical

sickness. Because of Israel's failure, the promises to her have been inherited

by the Christian church. (See Gal. 3:28, 29.) Now the secondary application

of Isaiah's prophecy applies. Those features involving sin and death no

longer have relevance. But the predictions concerning the "new heavens"

and the "new earth" run parallel with those of John in the book of Revela-

tion.

"The former things Ware passed away" (Rev. 21:4), and "the former shall

not be remembered, nor come into mind" (Isa. 65:17). The Lord will not

allow the memories of earth's. struggles, disappointments, and heartaches to

destroy the peace and contentment of His people.

ILLUMINATION:

The great controversy is ended. Sin and sinners are no

more. The entire universe is clean. One pulse of harmony and gladness beats.

through the vast creation. From Him who created all, flow life and light and

gladness, throughout the realms of illimitable space. From the minutest

atom to the greatest world, all things, animate and inanimate, in their

unshadowed beauty and perfect joy, declare that God is love

."—The Great

Controversy,

p. 678..

V. ARE YOU READY FOR THE NEW EARTH?

What is Jesus' earnest desire for each of us? John 17:24.

What is the spiritual qualification for inhabiting the new earth? Rev.

14:3-5; 21:7, 8, 27.

Christ will accept as a subject for His kingdom the person who, by His

grace, overcomes sin. Throughout the book_ of Revelation, emphasis is

given to the blessings for the overcomer. (See Rev. 2 and 3.) Christ craves to

give us the victory that He experienced. (See Rev. 3:21.) He offers all the

necessary power to make us conquerors. (See Jude 24; 1 John 5:2-4.)

You can be an overcomer because of your spiritual union with Christ. He

wants to dwell within you by His Holy Spirit and live out His life through

you. (See John 14:23; 17:23; Gal. 2:20.) There are enormous material and

physical blessings for the saved in the new earth. But the real issue confront-

ing us today is spiritual. Christ is offering spiritual advantages: victory over

all sin, and purity of heart and mind. (See 2 Cor. 7:1; 1 Peter 1:15, 16).

These blessings can be yours now and forever. The spiritual qualities that

will characterize the saved are to be yours now; because Jesus offers Himself

to you now. His righteousness is yours now (Rom. 8:9, 10). His presence in

your heart is yours now (John 14:18).

107

Christ assures us that what we give up for Him is not for our best good

anyway. What a thrill we will have in the new earth of being totally free from

the demands of fallen natures and the attacks of the evil one. Ultimate spirit-

ual liberty will be the experience of God's redeemed people. In the truest

sense, they will be free at last!

FURTHER STUDY AND MEDITATION:

Read

The Great Controversy,

pp. 674-678;

Education,

pp. 301-309;

Testimonies, vol.

1, pp. 67-70.

WHAT OTHERS TEACH:

Seventh-day Adventists endeavor to make

heaven and the new earth more literal and inviting than do most denomina-

tions. Other churches make general references to the subject, but nothing is

concrete. We owe much to Ellen White's visions and descriptions of the new

earth. She has painted a tangible picture that is thoroughly relevant to most

people. On the subject of the after life, most people express themselves in

the negative. Often you hear the remark that heaven is not a place where

people sit on a cloud strumming a harp. That usually ends the discussion,

and nothing positive or real is offered the hearers.

HOW TO SHARE THIS TRUTH WITH OTHERS:

This is one of the

most exciting subjects to share with others. The only controversial aspect is

the question of where heaven is. Some denominations are trying to make a

heaven now on earth. Some speak as if the present life will be our only

heaven. As you study this subject with others it will be fresh and new to

most of them. Make sure that your own heart is overflowing with eager

anticipation of living with Christ and the redeemed for eternity.

The following principle is important to remember: "We should not be so

anxious to gain the reward as to do what is right, irrespective of all gain.

Love to God and to our fellow man should be our motive.

"—Christ's Object

Lessons,

pp. 398, 399. The great motivation that should be emphasized in

sharing this truth is not the mansions in which we will live, the gardens we

will plant, and the fun we will have free from pain, sickness, and death.

Even though that is all good, the most powerful motivation is the eternal

fellowship we will have with the One who, for the sake of our redemption,

left the fellowship of heaven and risked failure and eternal loss.

SUMMARY:

Seventh-day Adventists believe that God will restore our

world to its original state of perfection at the end of the millennium when the

New Jerusalem will descend from heaven. After the earth has been purged

of sin and its results, God's people will be spiritually, intellectually, and

physically perfect in a paradise of Edenic loveliness.

—

APPLICATION

•

After studying this lesson, do I better understand why Jesus said that

there will be weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth on the part of

those who will be lost?

o How much time do I spend thinking about things above as compared

to things on the earth?

•

Are you willing to receive Christ as your present Saviour from sin?

•

Will you resolve to seek Him daily so that when He comes there will

be no doubt at all about your eternal destiny?

108

Lessons fon. Fivsit euarileos, 1989

Sabbath School members who have not received a copy of the Adult

Lessons for the first quarter of 1989 will be helped by the following

outline in studying the first two lessons. The title of this series is "Le-

viticus and Life."

[Filvsit Lesson:

"SANCTUARIES OF SALVATION"

MEMORY TEXT: Hebrews 10:1.

THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Insights on Leviticus from the New Testa-

ment. Hebrews 11:4, 7; 10:1-4; Acts 13:32, 33, 38, 39.

CENTRAL THOUGHT: God's method of saving sinners is the same

in all ages. Salvation comes through faith in the Saviour whom God

provided to pay the penalty for our sins.

OUTLINE:

The Faith of the Patriarchs (Heb. 11:4, 7; Gal. 3:8; John 8:56).

II.

The Faith of Israel (Heb. 10:1-4).

III.

The Faith of Christians (Acts 13:32, 33, 38, 39).

Second Lesson:

"CLEANSING FROM THE LEPROSY OF SIN"

MEMORY TEXT: 1 John 1:7.

THIS WEEK'S STUDY: Leviticus 12-15.

CENTRAL THOUGHT: In Scripture leprosy is used as a symbol of

sin. The cleansing ceremony focused on Christ's ministry of healing and

resulted in the restoration of lepers to full fellowship with God and man.

Only the grace of Christ can cleanse us from the inner contamination of

sin.

OUTLINE:

Defiled By Sin (Lev. 13:6, 23, 28, 34; 15:31-33; Matt. 8:4).

II.

The Defilement Cleansed (Isa. 6:1-7; Matt. 12:34; John 5:22;

1 Peter 4:5).

Lessons h 033vanDOe:

The regular Adult Sabbath School Lessons are available free each month in Braille and

rpm records to blind and physically handicapped persons who cannot read normal

ink print. This includes individuals who because of arthritis, multiple sclerosis, paralysis,

accident, old age, and so forth, cannot hold or focus on normal ink-print publications.

Contact the Christian Record Braille Foundation, Box 6097, Lincoln, NE 68506.

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